Ghost Pepper
Capsicum chinense 'Bhut Jolokia'
vegetableOne of the most extreme hot peppers in the world, registering over 1,000,000 Scoville heat units. Originally from the Assam region of India, Ghost Peppers have a slow-building fruity heat underneath the burn. Grow as a specialty crop for hot sauces and culinary adventures.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~120 days
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Difficulty
hard
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
18-24 in
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Planting Depth
1/4 in seed; transplant to first true leaf
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Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 7 – 11
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant; then every 3 to 4 weeks through fruiting
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 early; low-nitrogen high-phosphorus once flowering
🌱 Growing Guide
Ghost Peppers need a very long, hot season — 120 or more days from transplant. Start seeds indoors 12 weeks before last frost and use a heat mat to maintain 85 F soil temperature. Transplant only when nighttime temperatures stay above 65 F. They thrive in zones 7 and warmer and may need a hoop house in short-season climates. Avoid overwatering; these prefer drier conditions than bell peppers.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Jan 21
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Aug 27
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Basil — Deters aphids and whiteflies
- Carrot — Loosens soil around pepper roots
- Marigold — Suppresses soil nematodes
- Onion — General pest deterrence throughout the bed
❌ Keep away from
FennelBrassicas
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Inspect new growth weekly; insecticidal soap spray; introduce parasitic wasps
Avoid overhead watering; space widely for airflow; copper-based spray at first sign
Overhead misting in heat; neem oil spray every 7 to 10 days
Destroy infested fruit promptly; plant away from other solanums
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest at the fully ripe red (or orange, chocolate, or black) stage for maximum heat and flavor. Green-stage Ghost Peppers are still extremely hot. Always wear gloves and avoid touching eyes. Dry or freeze immediately after harvest as fresh peppers deteriorate quickly.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Extremely high in capsaicin; rich in vitamin C (exceeds most other peppers), vitamin A, and potassium. Capsaicin has documented anti-inflammatory properties.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.