Yellow Peruvian Tree Pepper

This perennial tree species of pepper is found high in the mountains of Peru. Its high elevation status makes it a bit resistant to frost as well. I have had frost on the leaves a few times which damages the leaves a little but has only small or no effect on the trunk or stems.  The tree like growth can make this species grow to 15 ft. if done over several years. It is easy to keep going as a potted plant in the house during winter in Michigan. 

The bright yellow hot fleshy peppers adds both flavor and heat to any dish. What makes this particular seed strain so wonderful is the yellow coloration which we believe is a lost heirloom variety known for its flavor. It appears different than the other Manzano yellow peppers on the market too. It can be a hot one so careful when preparing and wear appropriate gloves. It is not specifically meant for drying like other hot peppers.

The real growth and yields increases in the second year. For me the best yields began in the second year going from 8 peppers to 30 peppers. In the third year the peppers doubled in production despite not the best care in 2021.   This is a self fertile plant. It should be grown outside as few peppers are set if kept in a greenhouse. The plants do not suffer from chlorosis in more alkaline soils. 

This is a very cold tolerant species pepper which has done well in our cold, windy and wet springs in southern Michigan. Because of its adaptability to wide range of conditions, this makes a good edible landscape plant, indoor edible plant as well as a new species pepper that could be grown and used in different public gardens as a Manzano pepper. The difference may be in its early ripening which is quite different than most Manzano peppers. The trees could be saved during the winter and then reused the following spring avoiding having to reseed and start from scratch. There appears to be no known insect, disease or even deer browse on this plant too. 

To germinate the seed:  The seed likes to sprout under warm moist conditions and like any pepper is prone to damp off so use good well drained soil mix. Plant seed under 1/8 inch soil and keep moist. Seeds are slow to germinate but eventually will pop up over a month period. Some will sprout within a week, others much longer. The black seeds are hard to see in the soil but eventually a root will pop out.