Trio of Death Spiral Hot Peppers on a white background.
Handful Death Spiral Peppers in shades of green, yellow, orange and red.
Death Spiral Pepper in star arrangement showing multiple shades.
Death Spiral Peppers picked fresh from garden
Close-up Death Spiral Peppers on dark background.
Death Spiral Peppers arrangement on dark background.
Trio of Death Spiral Hot Peppers on a white background.
Handful Death Spiral Peppers in shades of green, yellow, orange and red.
Death Spiral Pepper in star arrangement showing multiple shades.
Death Spiral Peppers picked fresh from garden
Close-up Death Spiral Peppers on dark background.
Death Spiral Peppers arrangement on dark background.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Death Spiral

4.110 ReviewsSKU: #HPP152Min. seed count: 25
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Regular price $6.50
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Description

(Capsicum chinense). A gorgeous and intense pepper with a twisted shape that ranks among the world's hottest! We were introduced to this little scorcher by extreme pepper expert Jim Duffy of Refining Fire Chiles. The menacing fruit is contorted and wrinkled with a fierce little scythe-shaped tail. Jim reports that this pepper has a floral flavor and intense mouth burn that hits the tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth.

Growing Tips: The Death Spiral pepper is a super-hot heirloom that grows best in warm conditions. The plant prefers full sun and rich, well-draining soil. To improve germination, which can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, use a heat mat to maintain a steady soil temperature of around 80–85 F.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum chinense
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
21–28
Days to Maturity
90–120
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start Death Spiral seeds indoors 8–12 weeks before the final frost of the season, as these plants need a long, warm growing period. Once all risk of frost has passed and temperatures are above 65 F, transplant seedlings outdoors. In colder zones, you can grow in large containers so that plants can be brought inside if needed​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. When planting outdoors, space plants 14-18 inches apart for good air circulation. Death Spiral peppers also do well in containers of at least 5 gallons, with added organic compost for nutrients​.

How to Grow

Death Spiral peppers require consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root issues. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks, reducing nitrogen once the plants start flowering. These tall plants—often reaching up to 4 feet—benefit from staking or caging to support their heavy, wrinkled fruits. Their color shifts from green to peach, orange, and then red as they mature, making them a vibrant addition to any garden​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
  • To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

How do I store harvested Death Spiral peppers?

Store fresh Death Spiral peppers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them whole or dried. To freeze, place cleaned peppers on a baking sheet to pre-freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to a year.

Can Death Spiral peppers be grown indoors?

Yes, they grow well in containers and can be kept indoors in a sunny location or under grow lights, especially in cooler regions.

How should I cook Death Spiral peppers?

Death Spiral peppers are often used in hot sauces, spicy salsas, and dried as a powder for spice blends. Their fruity, citrusy flavor adds depth to intensely hot dishes, but they should be used sparingly.

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