Ghost Chili (Bhut Jolokia) seeds
Originating from Northern India, this chili hails as one of the hottest chilis in existence. With an impressive 1,000,000 Scoville units to boast about, this chili is for those who are avid spice fans. This variety earned its name because when you first bite into it, nothing happens, but then the heat sneaks up on you.....like a Ghost. These pair well with onion and garlic, and are a prime candidate for making homemade hot sauce. Each plant will hold a generous amount of peppers that can reach up to 1-1 1/2" wide. The flavor has been described as an intense chili flavor with a slight fruitiness...this is about 30-40 seconds before the apocalypse happens. These can be dried and ground into powder to use in soups and stews. After consuming, expect some watering of the eyes, possible sweats, and hiccups, but these do subside. Bhut Jolokia is a heat-loving chili and does extremely well in containers.
Seed count:10
Botanic name:
Capsicum chinense
Plant spacing:
24-36 inches apart
Color:
Each chili will boast a deep orange/red color
Sowing depth:
1/4 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Perfect for hot sauce or dares
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
110-120 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Naga Jolokia, Bhut Jolokia, Bih jolokia, Nagahari, Raja Mircha, Raja chilli, Borbih jolokiai
Scoville Units:
Growing Instructions:
Indoor Seed Starting
Gather Your Supplies:
- High-quality seed starting mix
- Seed trays or small pots
- Chili and pepper seeds of your choice
- Germination mat or heat mat
- Grow lights (if natural light is insufficient)
- Labels and a pen for plant identification
Sow the Seeds:
Fill your trays or pots with damp seed starting mix.
Make small indentations about ¼ inch deep. Place a couple of seeds in each hole.
Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of mix and mist with water.
Provide Consistent Warmth:
This is the most important aspect! Chili and pepper seeds germinate best with soil temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Place your seed trays on the germination mat to maintain the optimal temperature.
Maintain Moisture:
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil.Consider placing a humidity dome or plastic wrap over the trays to retain moisture.
Provide Light:
Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of light.
If using grow lights, keep them a few inches above the seedlings, adjusting their height as they grow.
Outdoor Seed Starting:
Timing is Crucial:
Peppers and chilies thrive in warm weather. Start your seeds outdoors only after the last frost risk has passed, and soil temperatures remain consistently warm.
Prepare the Soil:
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden.
Amend the soil with compost to boost its fertility.
Direct Sow Your Seeds
Follow the seed packet instructions for spacing.
Sow the seeds at the recommended depth and cover them lightly with soil.Water them thoroughly.
Hardening Off (For Indoor-Started Plants):
Before transplanting indoor-started seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days.
Start by placing them in a sheltered spot with partial shade for a few hours daily. Gradually increase their exposure to direct sunlight and wind.
Additional Tips:
Spacing: Plant spacing will vary depending on the chili or pepper variety. Research the specific needs of your chosen varieties.
Drought Tolerance: While chili and pepper plants are relatively drought tolerant, they will perform best with regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Container Growing: Chili and pepper plants thrive in containers. Choose a pot that's appropriately sized for the mature plant.
