Capsicum chinense 'Carolina Reaper'
chill pepper 'Caroline Reaper'
The world's hottest chilli pepper variety producing small, rounded green fruits ripening to fiery red with a distinctive pointed scorpion tail. The plant has a Scoville rating of 2.2 million and should be handled with care when harvesting and using in cooking. Suitable for growing in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. Harvest mid-August to October
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: Irritant if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Capsicum are annual or perennial plants, with simple, alternate leaves, and tubular or bell-shaped flowers. They are grown for their glossy, many-seeded edible fruits, including chilli and bell peppers, and as indoor ornamental plants
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow indoors from late Winter to mid-Spring in a small pot filled with good quality seed compost and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. When seedlings are 2.5cm tall transplant to individual pots, water and keep in a sunny spot. See how to grow: chilli peppers for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
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