How To Plant And Grow Ghost Peppers | Gardener's Path

Bhut jolokia is a tender perennial, often grown as an annual, suitable for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.

Ripe peppers are usually red, two to three inches long and about an inch wide, with slightly wrinkled skin. They taper to a small point at the bottom of the pod.

Quick Look

Common name(s): Ghost pepper, bhut jolokia, naga jolokia, ghost chili

Plant type: Herbaceous tender perennial

Hardiness (USDA Zone): 8-11 (as a perennial)

Cultivated in: Northeast India

Bloom time / season: Summer

Exposure: Full sun

Soil type: Organically rich, well draining

Soil pH: 6.0-6.8, slightly acidic

Time to maturity: 120-150 days

Mature size: 1-2 ft wide x 2-4 ft high)

Spacing: 2-3 feet

Taxonomy

Order: Solanales

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Capsicum

Species: assamicum

In the right conditions, plants can reach a mature height of four feet, though mine have never managed more than two feet, but have never failed to provide me with an abundant harvest.

Apart from the mind-blowing heat, bhut jolokia has an almost sweet, smoky aftertaste. It’s not advisable to eat it raw.

It’s a good elephant deterrent. In parts of India, ground-up ghost peppers are smeared on fencing to keep crops safe from wild elephants. This is a tactic used in parts of Africa as well, to good effect. On that basis, it’s unlikely you’ll have a problem with deer!

You can refer to our hot pepper growing guide to learn more. Here I’m going to cover specific tips for cultivating ghost peppers in your garden.

When and How to Plant

Ghost peppers require a long growing season – up to 150 days from planting to harvest – so it’s best to start seeds indoors at least eight to 10 weeks before the average last frost date in your area.

Soak seeds in a little water overnight before sowing.

Sow 1/4 inch deep in trays filled with potting soil. You can use biodegradable pots to prevent damage to the roots when you transplant into the garden or to your container.

Cow Pots™ Biodegradable Seed Trays

You can use peat pots, but I really like Cow Pots™, as they are made from composted cow manure from a dairy farm in Vermont and will nourish your plants as they break down.

Find Cow Pots™ in a variety of sizes from Arbico Organics.

Seeds need an even soil temperature of 80-90°F in order to germinate.

Heat Mat for Seedlings

To maintain this, you may need to use a heat mat, such as this one available at Burpee, or from Amazon.

Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, and in 14-21 days your seeds should germinate.

Be patient, as it can sometimes take up to 35 days for sprouts to appear. If you are using a heat mat, you’ll need to be vigilant with your watering as the soil can dry out quickly.

After germination, move them to a sunny windowsill or place seedlings under grow lights.