More about our chillies

Growing the Carolina Reaper is almost as easy as most other peppers and vegetables, although they do like a warm germination period, and need a long growing season and lots of sun to grow the hottest pods in the world. The Carolina Reaper is a Capsicum chinense strain, and these strains do require a great deal of attention during the germination process. Moisture and a constant and consistent heat range must be maintained for best germination – and even with perfect conditions, every seed may not sprout. We like to place the Carolina Reaper seeds in sterile media and cover 1/4” deep. Then, we provide 85°F bottom heat using a seedling heat mat, and bright light, keeping the seeds moist at all times. Seeds will typically germinate in 7-21 days, but be patient, sometimes it takes longer! Once they sprout, we like to give the little Carolina Reaper seedlings a brush with our hands daily, or put a fan on them. This helps strengthen the stems and keeps the seedlings from “damping-off,” which is a devastating fungal disease which affects the new plant stem just at soil level. Transplant the Carolina Reaper seedlings into pots once they're a few inches tall with a couple sets of leaves, and grow until there are 6 true leaves on the plant. When it's starting to get warm enough outside both day and night (peppers don't like temperatures below 60˚), you can bring them outdoors. Make sure to harden them off by bringing them outside for a couple hours of sun a day, working up to leaving them outside for a couple full days before planting. This will ensure they won't be shocked when first outdoors, and it also strengthens their stems with the natural breezes. Plant them directly into rich soil, 30” apart or into containers, and grow in full sun. Pretty soon, you'll have the Hottest Pepper in the World growing in your garden! It's a great conversation starter with friends, and, while we don't recommend eating Carolina Reapers whole*, they actually are delicious in hot sauce and salsas.