The habanero is one of the hottest peppers. Growing habanero peppers requires bright sun, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil. The habanero grows best when purchased or started indoors. Plant them outside after the danger of any frost passed.
These small, green to red peppers measure 100,000 to 445,000 on the Scoville scale, which is a method of measuring the levels of capsicum, or spice, in peppers. Habanero plants have oval, simple leaves with deep glossy green color. The plants are generally bushy and just slightly taller than they are wide. Growing habanero peppers requires a long growing season. As a warm season crop, habanero care may include plastic mulch to help keep soil warm and cloches or row covers at the start of the season. Prior to planting, incorporate a large amount of organic material to the soil to increase fertility and drainage. With proper care, the plants will produce slightly curved green or even red fruits, filled with seeds and covered in waxy, glossy skin.
Most often planting instructions will suggest planting in loam soil. Loam soil should be rich in minerals and nutrients for the plants and loose enough that roots and spread out and grow strong.
When it comes to fertilizers, you want to avoid over-fertilizing (just like an overdose of vitamins isn't great for us, either). Less is more, so it’s important to follow what the package says for application amounts.
By removing overgrown foliage, you will improve airflow to the plant, and light will be better able to penetrate all portions of the plant. This actually leads to a fuller and healthier looking houseplant.
These plants love a warm climate. Habanero varieties grow best in temperatures above 65 F and preferably closer to 80 F.
When you plant the pepper cut holes in black plastic mulch to fit around the plant. This will help keep competing weeds away while keeping the soil around the plant warm.
