Capsicum Chinense
CHILLI-CAROLINA REAPER is regarded as the hottest chili in the world. It was developed by a man known as Ed Currie by crossing Pakistani Naga with Red Habanero. Carolina Reaper Chilli has an SHU rating of 1,400,00 to 2,200,00 it is listed in the Guinness Book of records as the hottest pepper in the world.
Smallish pods are vibrant red, 2.5 to 5cm wide, 5 – 7.6cm long with a little scorpion like tail and smooth or lumpy textured skin. It is said to have a sweet fruity flavour if you are brave enough to eat them. Plus, they make an excellent dried spice to add to any meal, sauce, stew or soup.
Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost in well drained light soil. Depth 3-6mm gently covered with light soil. Germinates 7-10 days plus. Plant out when temperatures are above 10°C. They can take up to 90 days before they are ready to fruit. Don’t overwater or over fertilise with nitrogen or you will have no fruit. Plant out 75cm apart when seedling reaches 7 – 10cm in height.
Like all chillies watch for pests and diseases that affect chillies.