Close up view of Chocolate Habanero Hot Pepper on a white background.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Chocolate Habanero

3.636 Reviews#HPP136 · 15 seeds
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Description

(Capsicum chinense). Chocolate Habanero is the sort of pepper that looks delicious and dangerous at the same time—and it is. The 2-inch lantern-shaped fruits ripen to a rich chocolate-brown and hang like ornaments over the plant, but behind that beauty lies roughly 300,000 SHU of serious habanero heat. The flavor is rich and memorable, which is why hot-pepper lovers prize it so highly, but it should always be used with care. Sweet-looking, scorching, and spectacular, this one is pure pepper temptation.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum chinense
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
85–100
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last expected frost date to give the plants a head start. Chocolate Habanero peppers need a long growing season, so transplant them outdoors only after nighttime temperatures stay reliably above 55 F (60 F is better for habaneros) and the soil has warmed. In cooler zones, growing these peppers in containers might make it easier to control temperature. 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 and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once germinated, transplant seedlings to pots or garden beds in full sun, spacing them 14-18 inches apart. These peppers grow up to 3 feet tall and do well in containers, as long as they have enough space and drainage​.

How to Grow

Chocolate Habanero peppers need 8-12 hours of sunlight per day and thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Water consistently but sparingly to avoid over-watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer to support flowering and fruiting. As the plants mature, they might need staking due to the weight of the peppers​.

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

Questions?

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Customer reviews

3.6 / 5 36 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Rich, fruity flavor: Richer than orange habanero; makes standout hot sauce, jam and powder.

  • Seriously hot: Hotter than a standard habanero; a sliver seasons a whole pot.

  • Prolific once it starts: Slow to set, then 5 foot plants load up with pods into fall.

  • Overwinters in a pot: Potted plants brought inside bear again, heavier, the second year.

  • Heads up: Spotty germination; use bottom heat and expect a long wait for pods.

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