chilli 'Carolina' Reaper

world's hottest chilli or Capsicum chinense 'Carolina Reaper'

Eventual height & spread

chilli 'Carolina' Reaper

world's hottest chilli or Capsicum chinense 'Carolina Reaper'

  • approx 5 seeds
  • £3.99
  • In stock (shipped within 3-5 working days)
Delivery options
  • Seed Packets (only) £2.95
  • Named Day £10.95
  • Position: full sun
  • Soil: humus-rich, moisture retentive soil
  • Rate of growth: fast
  • Hardiness: tender

    Notorious for being 400 times spicier than a jalapeno chilli pepper, ‘Carolina Reaper’ is justly feared as being the hottest pepper in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. With fiery, bumpy fruits 2-3” (5-7.5cm) long and carrying a characteristic ‘scorpion tail’, the pods have a fruity flavour (if you can detect it over the heat!). Perhaps one for the novelty factor and/or for drying and adding to sauces and dishes at a later date, this capsicum is certainly best when used sparingly, as a little can go a long way. Pick your chillies once they turn red, and always wear gloves when handling the pods.

  • Growing instructions: Start off indoors from Feb to May, sowing the seeds 1cm deep in trays and using multi purpose compost to cover them. Alternatively, sow two seeds per pot and select the strongest seedling after they emerge. Pot up or plant out in a greenhouse from April to June, and when plants reach 20cm high, pinch out the tips to encourage more side shoots, as this will result in more peppers. Feed regularly with high-potash tomato feed once the fruits begin to form.

  • Sow: Feb to May

  • Harvest: July to Oct
  • Humans/Pets: Irritant if eaten; skin/eye irritant

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