I've only had El Desperado a couple of years now, but last year it increased some and bloomed very well. It set one pod for me (El Desperado x Crowning light) and the 6 seedlings from this pod are growing strong thus far. It will be interesting to see what the kids look like. Fans this year look good and are up about 4 inches so far. It does bloom later in the season for me as well. I have never had any rust on El Desperado, but not really a problem with that in my area anyway.
