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The Carolina Reaper is widely regarded as the hottest chilli in the world, with a Scoville rating of 1.5 million to 2.2 million. This chilli pepper was developed by Ed Currie in South Carolina, USA, by crossing a Pakistani Naga with a Red Habanero. It has a distinct scorpion tail shape and can cause physical pain and serious health complications if consumed in large amounts. The Carolina Reaper is difficult to grow and requires a long growing season, with a preference for warm weather and a temperature range of 20-30°C. The seeds should be planted in well-drained light soil, with a soil temperature of 22-35°C, and kept consistently moist and warm until germination, which can take up to 21 days. The seedlings can be transplanted when they reach a height of 5-10 cm, and the plants require support as they grow taller. The peppers take up to 5 months to ripen and should be harvested when they turn red.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoville rating | 1.5 million to 2.2 million |
| Creator | Ed Currie |
| Origin | South Carolina, USA |
| Soil temperature for germination | 22-35°C |
| Soil type | Well-drained light soil |
| Soil moisture | Damp, not sodden |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6 hours or more a day) |
| Plant height | Up to 120 cm |
| Time to fruit | 90 days |
| Days to maturity | Varies based on factors such as weather, soil, climate, and gardening methods |
| Transplanting | Transplant when seedlings are 5-10 cm tall |
| Spacing | Plant seedlings 75 cm apart |
| Support | Trellis or stake |
| Harvest | When peppers turn red |
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What You'll Learn
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost
Growing Carolina Reaper chillies from seed can be challenging, but with the right care, it is possible to yield a good crop. To give your seeds the best chance of success, it is recommended that you start them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. This will give your plants enough time to mature, as they require a longer growing season than other chilli varieties.
To begin, prepare your containers with well-drained soil, as Carolina Reapers do not like waterlogged conditions. Fill your containers with compost and dampen the soil with a mist gun, ensuring it is moist but not sodden. Plant your seeds centrally and evenly spaced, pushing them in about halfway and covering them lightly. Place your containers in a warm spot in your home, such as on a window ledge, to encourage germination. Alternatively, you can use a seedling heat mat to speed up the process.
Maintain a soil temperature of 22-28°C during germination, which typically takes 7-21 days. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm until germination occurs. Once your seeds have sprouted, continue to care for them indoors until they reach a height of about 15 cm and have at least 2-3 leaves. At this stage, they can be transplanted into the garden or larger pots, with a distance of 75 cm between each seedling.
It is important to note that Carolina Reaper plants prefer warm weather and full sun exposure. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and require protection from sudden temperature changes. By starting your seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, you can ensure that your plants have a strong start and are better equipped to handle the outdoor environment when the time comes.
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Germination requires damp, well-drained soil and warmth
Germinating Carolina Reaper chilli seeds requires damp, well-drained soil and warmth. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 22°C and 35°C, with a target soil temperature of 28°C. It is important to note that soil temperature usually differs from air temperature. Germination may occur outside of this temperature range, but it may take longer.
To achieve the desired soil temperature, you can use a seedling heat mat or simply place the seeds in a warmer spot in your home. The seeds should be covered gently with light, moist soil to a depth of 3-6mm. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm until germination, which typically takes 7-14 days, but can take up to 21 days.
Carolina Reaper seeds should be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering the seeds, as this can inhibit germination. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and use a mist gun to water the seeds. Make sure your container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
The Carolina Reaper is a challenging plant to grow, requiring a long growing season and specific temperature and humidity conditions. It is important to be patient and persistent when growing these chilli seeds.
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Transplant seedlings when they're 7-10cm tall
Transplanting your Carolina Reaper seedlings is a crucial step in ensuring their survival and eventual success. Here is a detailed guide on transplanting, focusing on the "7-10 cm tall" stage of growth:
First, it is important to note that Carolina Reaper seedlings typically take 7-14 days to germinate when started indoors. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 22-35°C, but it is recommended to start them off at around 28°C. During this stage, the soil should be kept consistently moist and warm. Once the seedlings emerge, they will need plenty of light and warmth to continue growing. A sunny windowsill or a mini incubator is a great option to provide these optimal conditions.
Now, onto the transplanting process. When your Carolina Reaper seedlings reach about 7-10 cm in height, they are ready for their first transplant. At this stage, they have developed at least 2-3 leaves and are gaining strength. Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun exposure and has well-drained soil. The Carolina Reaper thrives in warm weather, with ideal temperatures ranging from 20-30°C.
To transplant, carefully remove the seedlings from their current container, being mindful of their delicate roots. Prepare the new planting site or larger pots by creating holes that are slightly larger than the seedling's root ball. Gently place each seedling into its new hole, ensuring the roots are spread out naturally and not cramped. Backfill the holes with additional soil, firmly packing it around the roots to provide support.
Space each transplanted seedling about 75 cm apart to allow for their future growth. They will grow into large bushes, so ensure they have adequate room to spread out. After transplanting, continue to monitor the soil moisture, allowing the top few centimetres to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering.
By following these steps, you will give your Carolina Reaper seedlings a strong start in their new location. Remember to always wear gloves when handling the plants and be cautious of the extreme heat of these peppers.
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Provide support for the plants as they grow taller
As your Carolina Reaper plant grows taller, it will need support. The plant can grow into a large bush, so it is important to provide a structure that can withstand its weight and size. You can use a trellis or stake to support the plant.
When you notice the plant's height increasing, it's time to start thinking about providing support. You can find suitable trellises or stakes at gardening stores or online. Choose a trellis or stake that is sturdy and tall enough to accommodate the plant's expected height.
To install the support structure, place it near the plant's main stem. Ensure that it is firmly anchored in the ground for stability. Gently guide the plant's stem towards the support, being careful not to damage the roots or stem. You can use soft ties or garden twine to secure the plant to the trellis or stake.
As the Carolina Reaper plant continues to grow, adjust the support as needed. Keep an eye on the plant's growth and ensure that the ties or twine are not too tight, allowing room for the plant to expand. If necessary, add additional stakes or trellises to provide more comprehensive support.
By providing adequate support, you will help the plant grow tall and strong while preventing it from toppling over under its own weight. This will also ensure that the plant's energy is directed towards healthy growth and chilli production.
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Harvest fully ripe peppers, typically when they turn red
Carolina Reapers are the world's hottest chilli peppers. They can cause physical pain when consumed and lead to serious health complications if eaten in large amounts. The peppers are extremely hot and can cause chilli burn from the oils, even when handled with gloves. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when harvesting fully ripe peppers.
Carolina Reaper chilli peppers are typically harvested when they turn red. They can be picked while green, but they will have more heat and flavour if allowed to ripen fully. The peppers will be ready to harvest 90 to 100 days after planting. The plant will continue to produce peppers, so regular harvesting is necessary.
When harvesting, it is important to wear disposable latex gloves to protect your hands from the chilli oils. The peppers should be handled with care, as even the whole peppers on the vine can cause chilli burn. If the peppers are nearly ripe but not quite ready, they can be taken inside and left on a tissue in front of a sunny window to ripen.
Carolina Reapers are susceptible to cross-pollination, so if other varieties of peppers are grown nearby, there is a chance that the Reapers will be cross-pollinated and produce odd hybrids. It is also important to watch out for pests and diseases that affect chillies, such as aphids and whitefly, which can spread mosaic, a common pepper disease.
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Frequently asked questions
Start your Carolina Reaper seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last frost date. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 22-35°C, but the seeds will germinate at temperatures as low as 20°C. Germination typically takes 7-14 days.
Carolina Reaper plants require well-drained, damp (not sodden) soil. Avoid overwatering and do not over-fertilise with nitrogen.
Carolina Reaper plants like full sun (6 hours or more per day) and warm temperatures (20-30°C). Avoid sudden changes in temperature, as this can damage the plant.
Harvest the peppers when they are fully ripe, which is usually when they turn red. Wear gloves when handling the peppers, as they are extremely hot and can cause physical pain and serious health complications if consumed in large amounts.
