chilli 'Carolina Reaper'
world's hottest chilli or Capsicum chinense 'Carolina Reaper'
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 (5-7.5cm) 2-3in 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.
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.
How to care for chilli Carolina Reaper:
Grow on in a well-lit, warm location such as a sunny windowsill or greenhouse until all risk of frost has passed before moving them to their final growing positions outside, in a sunny spot, or keep in a greenhouse for earlier harvests and hotter fruits. Keep well watered and feed regularly with high-potash tomato food once the fruits begin to form.
Sowing instructions:
Start off indoors from Feb to May, sowing the seeds 1cm (0.5in) 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 (8in) high, pinch out the tips to encourage more side shoots, as this will result in more peppers.
Pot up or plant out in a greenhouse from April to June, and when plants reach 20cm (8in) high, pinch out the tips to encourage more side shoots, as this will result in more peppers.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Frost tender
-
Humans/Pets: Irritant if eaten; skin/eye irritant
approx 5 seeds
£3.99
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
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