Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during cooler periods to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid fungal issues, especially in containers.
Also known as Aji · Aji Pepper · Bird Pepper
Locoto pepper (Capsicum baccatum) is a vibrant, fruity chili pepper native to South America, known for its moderate heat and distinctive flavor.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging
75% intensity
Water when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 21-30°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Regular feeding
75% intensity
Balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then high phosphorus/potassium for fruiting.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during cooler periods to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid fungal issues, especially in containers.
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth. Remove any weak or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Pruning is generally minimal for Capsicum baccatum unless the plant becomes overgrown or leggy.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and keep the soil consistently moist and warm (around 24-29°C). Germination can take 1-3 weeks.
Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Repot young plants into larger containers as they outgrow their current ones, typically when roots start to fill the pot. Use a good quality potting mix.
Mature plants in containers may benefit from repotting annually or bi-annually in early spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Locoto Pepper (Capsicum baccatum)
Where Locoto Pepper (Capsicum baccatum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Capsicum |
| Species | Capsicum baccatum |
Similar in genus Capsicum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
