CHILLI-CAROLINA REAPER

 How to Grow Carolina Reaper Chilli

Follow this basic guide to grow Carolina Reaper Chilli

1. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Carolina Reaper chilli peppers prefer warm weather and a temperature range between 20-30 °C.
2. Start the seeds indoors in seed trays or pots, 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm until germination, which typically takes 7-14 days.
3. Transplant the seedlings into the garden or into larger pots when they have at least 2-3 leaves and have grown to about 15 cm tall. Space them about 30-45 cm apart.
4. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
5. Fertilise the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertiliser, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 mixture.
6. Provide support for the plants, such as a trellis or stake, as they grow taller.
7. Harvest the chilli peppers when they are fully ripe, which is typically when they turn red.

The Carolina Reaper chilli pepper is one of the hottest chilli peppers in the world, with a Scoville rating of 1.5 million to 2.2 million.  Many people will find this chilli too hot to consider eating.  But for chilli lovers, it is a challenge to see who can stomach the hot hot flavour of Carolina Reaper.

Heritage of Carolina Reaper Chilli

The Carolina Reaper Chilli was developed by Ed Currie in Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA.  It was officially recognized as the world’s hottest pepper by the Guinness World Records in 2013, with an average Scoville rating of 1.5 million units. The pepper is a crossbreed between a Pakistani Naga and a Red Habanero.  These chilies should be handled with care, as the heat level is extremely high and it is important to wear gloves and be cautious when consuming them. 

An unusual fact about the Carolina Reaper is it’s unique shape, with a distinct “scorpion tail” at the bottom of the pepper. The shape was apparently, intentionally bred into the pepper by its creator, Ed Currie.  This was in order to make it visually distinctive to stand out in the marketplace.  Additionally, Chilli-Carolina Reaper is so hot it can actually cause physical pain when consumed. And could lead to serious health complications if eaten in excessive amounts.  Is is said that the pain in your mouth can last for 20 minutes while the intestinal pain can last for up to 5 hours. It is not a chilli to be taken lightly. Be sure to wear gloves when handling it and don’t rub your eyes if you happen to handle it without gloves.

SHOP ABSeeds
SHOP Garden Supplements
Category Colour Guide
Planting Guide for Australia