- Hardiness Zone: 6-12 Annual
- Hardiness Zone: 8-12 Tender Perennial
- Scoville Heat Units: 855,000 to 1,041,427 SHU
Sunlight: Bhut Jolokia thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is a warm-season plant that requires heat to grow and produce fruit.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, so amend it with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. The soil should also be loose and friable to promote good root growth.
When to Plant: Bhut Jolokia is a long-season crop that needs a warm, consistent growing environment. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date, as these peppers require a long growing season (about 120-150 days to maturity). Transplant outdoors only when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 60°F (15°C).
Starting Seeds Indoors: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 80-90°F (27-32°C) for optimal germination, which can take 3-4 weeks. Using a heating mat can help maintain consistent warmth.
Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 6-8 inches tall and the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization: Bhut Jolokia peppers are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time. Once the plants begin to flower, switch to a fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus to encourage fruit set. Side-dress with compost or a suitable fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Mulching and Weeding: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of the peppers.
Staking: Bhut Jolokia plants can become heavy with fruit, so consider using stakes or cages to support the plants and prevent them from toppling over.
Pest and Disease Management: Bhut Jolokia can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects to manage infestations. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases, and avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
When to Harvest: Bhut Jolokia peppers are typically ready to harvest 120-150 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions. The peppers will turn from green to a bright red, orange, or chocolate color when fully ripe. For the best flavor and heat, wait until the peppers are fully mature.
How to Harvest: Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to the fruit. Handle the peppers with care, as they can irritate the skin and eyes. Wear gloves when harvesting to avoid direct contact with the capsaicin-rich oils.
Storing Fresh Peppers: Fresh Bhut Jolokia peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To store them longer, consider drying, freezing, or making hot sauce or chili powder. Dried peppers can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for several months.
Culinary Uses: Bhut Jolokia is used to add intense heat to sauces, curries, salsas, and other dishes. Due to its extreme spiciness, it should be used sparingly. It can also be dried and ground into a powder for seasoning. Always handle with care when preparing, and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, after handling the peppers.
Visit Our Detailed Ghost Pepper Growing Guide and Tips!
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper offers a fiery, intense heat with a subtle smoky, fruity undertone, creating a complex flavor that enhances spicy dishes.
Culinary Uses: Best used sparingly due to its extreme heat, Bhut Jolokia Ghost Peppers are ideal for making super-hot sauces, spicy salsas, and adding a kick to curries and stews. They can also be dried and ground into powder for long-term use in a wide range of dishes. Whether fresh, dried, or in sauces, these peppers bring an unparalleled level of heat to any meal, making them a favorite for chili enthusiasts.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: Bhut Jolokia Ghost Peppers produce long, wrinkled pods that ripen from green to bright red or orange. The pods are typically 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long with a distinctive bumpy texture.
Height: This variety typically grows to about 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall, with bushy, upright plants that produce an abundance of peppers throughout the season.
Growth Habit: Bhut Jolokia Ghost Peppers thrive in warm, sunny conditions and mature in about 90-120 days. They require consistent warmth to reach their full potential, making them best suited for hot climates or greenhouse growing. The plants are productive, yielding numerous peppers over the course of the growing season.
Benefits of Growing Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper
Extreme Heat: Known for its intense heat, Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper is one of the hottest peppers in the world, perfect for those who love to add serious spice to their dishes.
Unique Flavor: In addition to its fiery heat, Ghost Peppers offer a subtle smoky and fruity flavor that enhances the complexity of spicy sauces and dishes.
Prolific Producer: This variety is known for its high yield, providing a steady supply of super-hot peppers throughout the growing season.
Versatile Use: Whether used fresh, dried, or in sauces, Bhut Jolokia Ghost Peppers offer a wide range of culinary applications for those seeking extreme heat.
Seeds Per Packet
10mg | Approximately 13 |
20mg | Approximately 26 |
30mg | Approximately 39 |
Elevate your gardening and culinary experiences with Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper. Its scorching heat, unique flavor, and high yield make it a must-have for spice lovers and adventurous gardeners. Enjoy the intense, homegrown heat of Ghost Peppers in your favorite spicy dishes, straight from your garden to your table!
Visit Our Detailed Ghost Pepper Growing Guide and Tips!
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper offers a fiery, intense heat with a subtle smoky, fruity undertone, creating a complex flavor that enhances spicy dishes.
Culinary Uses: Best used sparingly due to its extreme heat, Bhut Jolokia Ghost Peppers are ideal for making super-hot sauces, spicy salsas, and adding a kick to curries and stews. They can also be dried and ground into powder for long-term use in a wide range of dishes. Whether fresh, dried, or in sauces, these peppers bring an unparalleled level of heat to any meal, making them a favorite for chili enthusiasts.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: Bhut Jolokia Ghost Peppers produce long, wrinkled pods that ripen from green to bright red or orange. The pods are typically 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long with a distinctive bumpy texture.
Height: This variety typically grows to about 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall, with bushy, upright plants that produce an abundance of peppers throughout the season.
Growth Habit: Bhut Jolokia Ghost Peppers thrive in warm, sunny conditions and mature in about 90-120 days. They require consistent warmth to reach their full potential, making them best suited for hot climates or greenhouse growing. The plants are productive, yielding numerous peppers over the course of the growing season.
Benefits of Growing Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper
Extreme Heat: Known for its intense heat, Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper is one of the hottest peppers in the world, perfect for those who love to add serious spice to their dishes.
Unique Flavor: In addition to its fiery heat, Ghost Peppers offer a subtle smoky and fruity flavor that enhances the complexity of spicy sauces and dishes.
Prolific Producer: This variety is known for its high yield, providing a steady supply of super-hot peppers throughout the growing season.
Versatile Use: Whether used fresh, dried, or in sauces, Bhut Jolokia Ghost Peppers offer a wide range of culinary applications for those seeking extreme heat.
Seeds Per Packet
10mg | Approximately 13 |
20mg | Approximately 26 |
30mg | Approximately 39 |
Elevate your gardening and culinary experiences with Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper. Its scorching heat, unique flavor, and high yield make it a must-have for spice lovers and adventurous gardeners. Enjoy the intense, homegrown heat of Ghost Peppers in your favorite spicy dishes, straight from your garden to your table!
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