PlantFiles: Hot Pepper
Capsicum chinense 'Bhut Jolokia'

Gt a jump start on seed germination by starting them in small peat pots placed in terrarium with reptile tank bottom heaters on the terrarium and grow light aquarium cover. Moisture is kept high and required 80 soil temp had plants popping up in less than two weeks.

Transferred to 8" pots in May and set-out mid month. Blooms begin to appear at end of June. Natural pollination anticipated as the Jolokia are among potted Habanero, Sakatara & Takanotsume plants. All plants receive morning and mid-day sun but are shielded from later afternoon sun which helps prevent sun scald.

Daily watering is a must when using Miraclegrow flower/vegetable potting soil as it does not retain moisture that well.

Grows ok here, although it does have a long growing season. If you can grow habaneros you shouldn't have a problem growing Bhut Jolokia. Not sure why it's listed here as an ornamental, as it's not a dwarf or particularly attractive plant. I grow them to burn people's faces off.

Apparently brought from India in 2001 to New Mexico. Pollenation is required - natural or manual. Don't underestimate the heat...INSANELY HOT! Good flavor, but be careful. Grown in North Central Indiana (Peru) in an 8" container. Started out w/ 6" container by window on East side of house in Early-Mid May, moved to 8" container and outside in animal-proof cage on July 1st. Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Soil works great. Have fun!

This pepper was tested by The Chile Pepper Institute , U of New Mexico,- it came in at 1,001,304 SHU, --at this time --the hottest pepper on the planet, --it also tastes good, it is very productive and is large --especially for a super hot one at 3 to 4 inches and over an inch wide -- use care [gloves] when handeling---