The Carolina Reaper pepper is undoubtedly one of the hottest peppers around. With its 1.5-2 million units, the Carolina Reaper is a small, trappy pepper that varies in color from green to red, with a bumpy skin (pericarp) and a terminal (appex) that resembles a sting-if we’ve ever forgotten that it stings… Be patient, this is a slow pepper to germinate, sometimes taking up to a month. As with other chillies, the use of a heat mat during the germination process can increase the chances of success.

• Take extra care when handling seeds and fruit. We strongly recommend using sterile latex gloves and disposing of them after use.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Seeds

~10

Difficulty       

Medium

Sowing        

Indoor

Lifecycle      

Annual

Sowing season       

Winter, Spring

Root cellar   

No

Color 

Red

Growing tips

Germination conditions:

sowing depth: 5 mm

optimal germination temperature: 25 to 30ºC

germination time: 21 to 28 days

When to sow:

indoor sowing 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region

Sowing technique: in pocket

In the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds, spacing them about 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings are 5 cm tall, keep all the plants if space is available, or keep only the best-looking ones. Transplant into individual containers while waiting to be transplanted into the garden.

Transplant outdoors:

after any risk of frost, when the soil has warmed up and the average night-time temperature is above 12ºC.

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 45 cm

between rows: 60 cm

Plant height: 120 cm

Soil: rich, well-drained

Water: regular watering

Exposure: full sun

Days to harvest (after transplanting): 100-150 days

Specificities:

pinch off the first flowers to make the plant more robust and to stimulate the production of leaves that will protect the fruit from summer sunburn on very hot days.

pot cultivation possible