Carolina Reaper

Carolina Reaper Care

Capsicum сhinense 'Carolina Reaper'

What is the plant

Have you heard of the world's hottest pepper? If not, let us introduce you to the Carolina Reaper, recognized by the Guinness World Record as the world's hottest chili pepper. Keep reading and learn how to grow a superhot chili.

The Carolina Reaper (Capsicum chinense cultivar) was developed by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina, USA. It earned its title as the world's hottest pepper in 2013, surpassing the previous record holder, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion. The heat level of the Carolina Reaper averages over 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it a true powerhouse of spiciness.

The pepper plant can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. It bears smaller bright red pods of chili 2 inches wide (2.5-5 cm) and 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long. Apart from being extremely hot, the Carolina Reaper bears a fruity and sweet taste.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 21°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 12

Difficulty

Hard

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Carolina Reaper plants prefer slightly moist soil, so be sure to water it when the top inch (2.5 cm) of the soil feels dry. But, overwatering leads to root rot, so be careful when watering.
Pruning
Pinch off the tips to make it bushier and remove damaged, diseased, or infested leaves. Pruning also directs energy towards fruit development, promoting a more bountiful harvest.
Fertilizer
Regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer supports healthy growth and fruit production. During the growing season, apply fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks. Too much fertilizers lead to too many leaves at the expense of fruit.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Carolina Reaper plants require full sunlight for optimal growth and fruiting. Provide at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If growing indoors, use grow lights to supplement natural sunlight. Ensure the lights are positioned close to the plants to prevent leggy growth. You also need to rotate the pot occasionally so all parts of the plant receive light.
Soil
Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0) is the best. A high-quality potting mix enriched with organic matter would be even better, but avoid using compact soils like clay. Also, adding compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility.
Propagation
Carolina Reaper plants are best propagated from seeds. Start sowing indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a seed-starting mix and maintain a warm, humid environment for germination. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them into larger containers.

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Temperature
Carolina Reaper plants thrive in warm temperatures (70-90°F or 21-32°C). It's crucial to provide adequate warmth, especially during the germination and growing stages. If growing in cooler climates, consider using heat mats or placing the containers in a sunny, sheltered location.
Container
Pots will save you space and time. Choose a large one with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Drainage holes in the pot bottom are a must to prevent the plant from sitting in excess water.
Fun fact
One intriguing aspect of the Carolina Reaper is its unique appearance. The pepper has a distinctively wrinkled and pitted surface, with a bright red color that intensifies as it ripens. The tail of the pepper, resembling the stinger of a scorpion, adds to its visual appeal.