Locoto: The Andean Pepper That’s Worth Getting to Know
If you’re looking to spice up your garden with something a little different, meet the locoto (Capsicum baccatum var. baccatum) – a delightfully unique pepper that’s been warming hearts and taste buds in South America for centuries. This isn’t your typical bell pepper or jalapeño; it’s something special that brings both beauty and flavor to the garden.
What Makes Locoto Special?
Locoto peppers are the cool-weather cousins of the pepper family, hailing from the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in Bolivia and Peru. Unlike most peppers that wilt at the first hint of cool weather, these hardy little plants actually prefer slightly cooler conditions – making them perfect for gardeners in areas where other peppers struggle.
What really sets locoto apart is its appearance. The plants produce round to pear-shaped fruits that range from yellow to orange to red, looking almost like tiny colorful lanterns hanging from compact, shrubby plants. The peppers themselves pack a moderate heat level – think somewhere between a jalapeño and a serrano – with a distinctly fruity, almost apple-like flavor that’s absolutely unique in the pepper world.
Why Grow Locoto in Your Garden?
Here are some compelling reasons to give this Andean native a try:
- Thrives in cooler conditions where other peppers fail
- Compact size makes it perfect for container gardening
- Produces attractive, colorful fruits that serve as edible ornaments
- Unique flavor profile that’s prized by culinary enthusiasts
- Small white flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators
- Can be grown as a perennial in warmer climates (USDA zones 9-11)
Growing Conditions and Care
Locoto plants prefer conditions that mimic their mountain homeland. They thrive in full sun but appreciate some afternoon shade in very hot climates. Well-draining soil is essential – these plants don’t like wet feet. Unlike their heat-loving pepper relatives, locotos actually prefer temperatures between 60-75°F, making them ideal for spring and fall growing in many areas.
In most of North America, you’ll grow locoto as an annual, though gardeners in zones 9-11 can enjoy them as perennials. They’re excellent candidates for container gardening, where you can easily move them indoors during cold snaps.
Planting and Care Tips
Start locoto seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost. The seeds can be slow to germinate, so be patient. Once seedlings are established and all danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors or into larger containers.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and feed with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Pinch off the first few flowers to encourage stronger plant development, then sit back and watch those colorful peppers develop.
A Note for Native Plant Enthusiasts
While locoto isn’t native to North America, it’s also not invasive and makes a wonderful addition to edible gardens. If you’re specifically interested in native alternatives that offer similar benefits, consider native wild peppers like chiltepin (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) if you’re in the Southwest, or focus on native flowering plants that support pollinators, such as wild bergamot or purple coneflower.
The Bottom Line
Locoto offers something truly special for adventurous gardeners – a pepper that breaks all the rules while delivering exceptional flavor and garden appeal. Whether you’re a container gardener looking for something unique, a culinary enthusiast seeking new flavors, or simply someone who appreciates plants with interesting stories, locoto deserves a spot in your garden plans.
Just remember: once you taste that distinctive fruity heat, you might find yourself planning next year’s garden around these charming Andean peppers!
