Want a pepper that looks like the Habanero or Scotch Bonnet, but with less heat? Look no further than the Rocotillo Pepper! The peppers are popular in the Caribbean, and its even called the Puerto Rico pepper because of how often theyre used there. The Rocotillo peppers appear to be varieties of both Capsicum Baccatum and Capsicum Chinense, but their origins differ! The Baccatum variety is from Peru, but its uncertain where the Chinense variety originated. To make it more confusing, its said the Baccatum originated in Peru but was discovered in Puerto Rico years later. Although its origin and history are confusing, we do know these peppers are tasty!

Rocotillo pepper plants grow up to 3 ft. long and produce high yields of these tiny, 1″ long pepper pods. Their appearance looks like a squished shape, almost like a compressed Bishop’s Crown pepper, with glossy skin and bright red color. These peppers ripen from green to orange, and finally to red when they’re ready for harvesting.

This is a very mild alternative to the Habanero for those who do not necessarily want a super hot pepper. Although the heat level is very mild, they will taste sweet and tropical. The Rocotillo pepper is a variety you must try growing in your own backyard!

Enjoy growing unique and exotic peppers? View our Rare & Exotic Pepper Seed Collection for more!