Capsicum chinense 'Carolina Reaper'

RHS Plant Profile
chill pepper 'Caroline Reaper'
Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Irritant if eatenskin/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