Capsicum chinense 'Bhut Jolokia'
chilli pepper 'Bhut Jolokia'
One of the world’s hottest chilli pepper cultivars, also referred to as the ‘ghost pepper’. The bushy plants will reach about 1.2m in height when container grown; producing 5-8cm long and 2.5-3cm wide 'wrinkled' fruit that turns from green to orange then to red.
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Green Orange Red | |
| Autumn | Green | Green Orange Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Irritant if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
Best grown inside on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse, but can be grown outside once all danger of frost has passed; select a sunny, sheltered position and grow in containers, growing bags or in open ground. Water regularly and feed with a high-potassium, liquid fertiliser once the first fruit has set. See how to grow: chilli peppers for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in late winter to early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
No pruning required; pinch out growing tips of plants when they are about 20cm tall to encourage bushiness
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, whitefly, aphids, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
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