Damon Mcknight
Ghost chili, also known as Bhut Jolokia, is one of the hottest chili peppers in the world. Rated at 14/10 for heat, it is not for the faint-hearted. But if you're a chili enthusiast, growing your own ghost chili can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this guide, we'll take you through the basics of growing ghost chili in Australia, from germination to harvest, and offer tips on how to care for your plant so you can enjoy its unique flavour and heat.
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What You'll Learn
Ghost chilli basics
The Ghost Chilli, also known as Bhut Jolokia, is one of the hottest chilli peppers in the world. Native to Assam in India, it held the Guinness World Record for the hottest chilli from 2007 to 2010. The heat level of the Ghost Chilli ranges from 800,000 to 1,041,427 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which is about 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce! Despite its extreme heat, the Ghost Chilli has a unique and complex flavour profile, including fruity, smoky, and floral notes, making it a popular ingredient in spicy dishes like curries, hot sauces, and marinades.
The Ghost Chilli plant grows to a height of about 60-120 cm (2-4 feet) and has a bushy, spreading habit. The leaves are dark green and around 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) long, while the flowers are white with a yellow or greenish tinge and are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) long. The peppers themselves are typically 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) long and 2.5-3 cm (1 inch) wide, with a distinctive wrinkled surface.
Growing the Ghost Chilli can be challenging due to its specific requirements for heat and humidity, which are directly related to its heat index. The climate should closely match that of its native India, with five months of intensely high humidity and temperatures. If your growing season is short, the plants can be moved indoors in the evening, but they are sensitive to environmental changes, so frequent moves may damage them. The surest way to grow them is indoors or in a greenhouse, maintaining a temperature of 75 degrees F (24 degrees C).
Ghost Chilli seeds need warm soil, between 75 and 90 degrees F (24-32 degrees C), to germinate successfully. The soil must be kept consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater, especially during germination, as this can lead to seedling death or fungal diseases. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly before re-watering, and if overwatering occurs, remove any excess water to prevent seedling loss.
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Germination
Ghost chilli, or Bhut Jolokia, is native to Assam in India and can be difficult to germinate. It is one of the hottest chilli peppers in the world, with a heat level ranging from 800,000 to 1,041,427 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The seeds for ghost peppers take around 35 days to germinate in very warm soil between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 32 degrees Celsius). The soil must be kept moist but not too wet, as overwatering can cause the seedlings to die or develop fungal diseases.
To increase germination success, soak the seeds in hydrogen peroxide for a minute before planting them in the warm soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept consistently moist. It is important to note that the temperature and humidity must be maintained, as ghost pepper plants are sensitive to changes in their environment. Full sun fluorescent light bulbs can be used to maintain the required temperature and humidity.
Once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings reach approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in height, a small bud will appear in the centre of the plant. This bud can be pinched or snipped off to stimulate growth. At this stage, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground. The roots of the ghost chilli plant should be disturbed as little as possible to avoid shocking the plant.
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Soil and fertiliser
Ghost chilli, or Bhut Jolokia, is native to Assam in India and is one of the hottest chilli peppers in the world. The soil and fertiliser requirements for growing ghost chilli are quite specific.
Firstly, the soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. If growing in a garden, organic matter may need to be added to the soil, especially if it is sandy. A recommended soil mixture is 70% silt loam and 30% Miracle-Gro potting soil. Silt loam is composed of sand, silt, and organic matter, while Miracle-Gro potting soil contains nutrients that will provide the necessary food for the plant in its early stages. Additionally, it is beneficial to mix in some Epsom salt, as it provides magnesium, which is essential for the proper development of ghost chilli plants.
Regarding fertiliser, it is recommended to fertilise newly planted ghost pepper plants and then two to three more times during the growing season. Alternatively, a controlled-release fertiliser can be used to feed the plants throughout the entire growing season. It is important to note that ghost pepper plants are sensitive to over-fertilisation, so care should be taken not to over-fertilise them.
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Watering
- Regular watering is necessary for ghost chilli plants, but it is important not to overwater them as this can lead to root rot.
- Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is advisable to keep the soil slightly moist but not wet.
- For seedlings, water only when the topsoil is dry.
- When transplanting a ghost chilli plant to a new container, water it around the outer edges of the soil base to avoid disturbing the soil directly around the roots.
- To provide extra magnesium for proper development, mix one teaspoon of Epsom salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water in a small spray bottle. Spray this mixture directly onto the soil of your seedlings.
Environmental Factors
- Ghost chilli plants require specific environmental conditions, such as humidity and heat, which are directly related to their heat index.
- To achieve successful germination, provide a constant temperature of 26°C to 30°C.
- Ensure your ghost chilli plant receives direct sunlight and rotate the planter frequently.
Pest Control
- Be cautious of overwatering, as it can make your plant more susceptible to pests like aphids, mites, and whiteflies.
- Regularly check your plant for any signs of pests or diseases, such as powdery mildew and bacterial spot.
By following these watering guidelines and staying vigilant about pest control, you can help your ghost chilli plant thrive in the Australian climate.
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Harvesting
Ghost peppers have a long growing season, typically between 150 and 200 days. The peppers start out green and gradually ripen to their final colour, which is usually bright red, but can also be orange, yellow, or chocolate brown, depending on the variety.
Harvest your ghost peppers when they have reached their final colour and are firm to the touch. Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small stem attached. Be sure to wear gloves when harvesting, and avoid touching your face or eyes, as ghost peppers are extremely hot and can cause skin and eye irritation.
Once you've harvested your ghost peppers, you can store and preserve them in various ways. For example, you can dry them and turn them into flakes, or make them into a paste.
If you want to grow chillies again the following year, it is recommended to cut the plant back after harvesting, which will result in twice as many chillies the next year.
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Frequently asked questions
A ghost chilli, also known as Bhut Jolokia, is one of the hottest chilli peppers in the world. It is native to Assam in India and held the Guinness World Record for the hottest chilli in 2007.
Ghost chillies require a lot of sunshine and warmth to grow properly. Choose a spot in your garden or balcony that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and feed the plants weekly once they are a good size.
Ghost chilli seeds need the soil to be between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for them to germinate. Soak the seeds in hydrogen peroxide for a minute to increase germination success. Be careful not to overwater the seeds, especially during germination, as this can cause them to die or develop fungal diseases.
You can harvest the peppers at their immature green stage, but they will be hotter if you wait for them to turn orange or red. When harvesting, it is recommended that you wear gloves to prevent any burns from the peppers.
