San Marzano Giant Yellow Rocoto
San Marzano Giant Yellow Rocoto Seeds (Heirloom) Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated Andean Powerhouse · Quick Facts: · Heat: 30,000 – 100,000 SHU (Creeping Heat) · · Fruit Size: 3–4" Robust, thick-walled pods · · Maturity: 100–110 Days...
- Origin
- Peru
- Days to maturity
- 105 days
- Seeds per packet
- 10
- Season
- 2026
San Marzano Giant Yellow Rocoto Seeds (Heirloom)
Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated Andean Powerhouse
Quick Facts:
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Heat: 30,000 – 100,000 SHU (Creeping Heat)
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Fruit Size: 3–4" Robust, thick-walled pods
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Maturity: 100–110 Days
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Quantity: 10+ Seeds/Packet
The Andean Heavyweight 🏔️ While the standard Yellow Rocoto is a garden staple, the San Marzano Giant is its larger, more robust cousin. This rare heirloom is prized for producing substantial, succulent fruits that carry the legendary "creeping" heat of the Andes. With its signature jet-black seeds and stunning purple blossoms, this variety is a visual and culinary masterpiece for the serious grower.
👨🍳 Chef’s Pitch: "The San Marzano Giant is the ultimate upgrade for authentic Latin cuisine. Its thick, juicy walls offer a unique texture you won't find in other chilis, making it the gold standard for Rocoto Relleno. The heat is deceptive—it starts slow and builds into a rich, fruity warmth that defines Peruvian cooking."
👅 Flavor Profile:
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Juicy & Fruity: A succulent, apple-like crunch with a tropical finish.
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Heat Level: 30,000 – 100,000 SHU — A slow-building, full-body burn.
🍴 Culinary Versatility:
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Stuff: The "Giant" size is specifically bred to hold heavy fillings for roasting.
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Fresh: Perfect for Crema de Rocoto or zesty, thick-cut salsas.
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Paste: Blend into an authentic base for traditional Andean stews and marinades.
🌱 Growing Notes:
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High-Altitude Heritage: Naturally resilient in specialized environments and high-altitude conditions.
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Sun: Full Sun (6-8+ hours).
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Sowing: Start indoors 10–12 weeks before the last frost; Rocotos require a longer head start than standard peppers.
Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Germinate at 26–30 °C on a heat mat; peppers stall below 22 °C. Pot up to 10–15 cm before hardening off outside after nights stay above 12 °C.
Feed balanced through bloom, then bump potassium for fruiting. Stake taller varieties. More detail in our full Canadian growing guide.
Match the pepper to the technique: thin-walled varieties blister fast in a hot pan; thick-walled ones roast or stuff beautifully; fruit-forward ones make balanced sauces and pickles. The variety's flavour profile is your shortcut — see Choosing the right pepper for a use-case guide.




