Growing the hottest peppers
So I thought I would give you guys a guide to growing hot peppers in an urban environment with very little ‘special equipment’.
So there are a few things you need to know before you grow the hottest peppers in the world.
Chili peppers require no more attention than other common plants such as tomatoes, but don’t really like the cold very much, Seeds should be sown in light, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny greenhouse (60 degrees Fahrenheit minimum) 6 to 8 weeks before they are to be set out. They should be set out when the weather is really warm and settled. The seeds take 16 to 20 days to sprout. The plants should never suffer through drought or low temperatures.
This years Bhut jolokia(ghost chilli crop): After taking a job in the City I had to leave my crop of Trinidad Scorpions Butch T’s at a friends place to look after, he has a lot more space for them. So I thought I would give some inner city propagating a crack.
1st step: I bought a small green house from Here
2nd step: The seeds were sown right at the beginning of spring, I chose a few different varieties. White Bhut Jolokia, Naga Morich, Rocoto’s from Peru and Orange Habaneros.
3rd step: After 3 weeks of constant watering with a sprayer bottle I finally managed to get one bhut jolokia seedling, a bit disappointing as I usually get more in that sort of time. After another week of persevering the almost all the rest popped up at this stage. In fact these leaf looking things are called cotyledons which is part of the seed and serve as food sources until true leaves form. While the plant has no true leaves its not ready to move. I waited another week before I started to notice true leaves growing. While the chili plant is growing its true leaves the cotyledons are no longer needed.
4th step: With the Bhut Jolokia, rocoto and habanero, seedlings comfortably growing their second set of true leaves (approx 5 weeks growth), it was time to move them to bigger pots and give them a bit more space and sunlight. Make sure you use the best potting mix you can, high in organic matter and with good drainage. Pots of about 3-5 inches are ideal. They should be planted 18 inches apart in rows, 2 feet apart. These will be the chilli plants home for the next couple of months and will allow the growing chilie plant to establish a solid root system and grow. Transplanting a chili plant is delicate work as they are quite fragile especially at this young age, the young roots can bruise easily so take care.
5th step: Bhut jolokia(ghost pepper)and most other super hot chilli peppers, aren’t water hungry, but till need a good water every week or so. I tend to fertilize the young plants every 2 weeks with fertilizer high in nitrogen and potassium product. After a month or so I would recommend to lay off the nitrogen rich fertilizer as this will cause them to produce foliage at the expense of fruit and rather concentrate on organic sheep’s manure instead(yes it smells, but it is all natural).
6th Step: After 8-10 weeks growth or so you should be able to replant your hot peppers into a larger pot or garden bed, where they will grow for the rest of summer After that It’s all up to nature and with a bit of attention you should have a great crop of super hot chilli peppers. Peppers will bear fruit throughout the summer as long as the fruits are picked regularly and as soon as they’re large enough. (depending on the climate)
Note: Most hot chilli varieties(with the exception of a few) don’t like the cold, so if you plan to keep them over winter a greenhouse is recommended or even bring them inside if you have the room.
Good Luck!
Don’t forget that you can get everything you need to grow your own hottest pepper here!
Before you know it you will be enjoying your own super hots!
This is my first chili pepper of the season a particularly hot Thai Birdse