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There's quite a few wonderful varieties of peppers being mentioned in these threads...we need to make sure that anyone saving seeds from them does so properly if they are planning to re-offer seeds to anyone.
"Old Hands' at raising peppers know this, but newbies to pepper culture need to be made aware that most peppers will cross pollinate like crazy. They need to be isolated in some means to insure correct fruit. (that's how the 'surprise hot' bells occur)
The flowers are 'perfect', meaning that male and female parts are contained in the same blossom, but the flowers are attractive to insects and they will spread pollen throughout your pepper patch. For the most part, pollen from the same flower can pollinate itself and not require another flower or plant...there are exceptions...and those require a different plant from the same variety to set fruit...but they are not very common among the generally grown peppers. And they will need an insect pollinator.
The Aji Rocoto's need at least two plants...and someone with more experience than myself needs to jump in and discuss this. I'm a newbie when it comes to them and need advice myself.
I either cage the whole plant, or bag individual branches before the flowers open on most varieties.
Something very small, like the finest bridal net or Remay will work.
You won't see the results of cross pollination this year...it will only show up next year when you plant the seeds harvested from this season. Your peppers will look and taste exactly like they are supposed to this summer...even if they are cross pollinated. Next year's peppers will be the surprises.
Contrary to old wives tales...peppers being grown next to cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, squash and eggplants WILL NOT cross pollinate. That's just bunk...but they will cross with each other quite happily.
Hope this starts some good discussion...jump in chili heads and speak up.
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