Hot Pepper Seeds, Carolina Reaper

Sku:
#HPP219
Minimum seed count:
10
star-filled
3.4
48 Reviews
$5.00

Description

(Capsicum chinense). Believed to be the second hottest pepper in the world (after the patented "Pepper X"), the Carolina Reaper is a serious scorcher! For extreme pepper eaters, Carolina Reaper is a must. For those less adventurous, they make a great conversation piece in the garden. These devious little peppers are fiery red with a little scythe-shaped tail at the base of many fruit, hence the name reaper. The heat rating on these monsters can be over 1,500,000 Scovilles; in comparison, the spicy habanero is a mere 100,000 Scovilles!

  • 120 days to maturity
  • 8-12 hours of full sun
  • Sprouts in 21-28 days
  • Seed Depth: 1/4"
  • Plant Spacing: 14-18"
  • Ideal Temperature: 70-95 F
  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips

Carolina Reaper peppers thrive in warm, full-sun locations and do best in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Due to the long germination time and high heat requirements, use a heat mat to maintain soil temperatures between 80–85 F to speed up germination​.

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors about 8–12 weeks before the last expected frost to give the plants a head start, as they need a long growing season. Move seedlings outdoors only after nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 65 F. In cooler climates, growing in containers or greenhouses can extend the season and help maintain the high temperatures these peppers need​.

How to Sow and Plant

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix, ideally using a heat mat to ensure the soil remains at 80–85 F. Carolina Reapers take 21-28 days to germinate under optimal conditions. Transplant seedlings outdoors or into larger pots once they reach 3–4 inches tall and nighttime temperatures are consistently warm. Space plants about 14-18 inches apart in the garden or use at least a 5-gallon pot per plant​.

How to Grow

Carolina Reaper peppers prefer full sun and grow best in slightly acidic, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5. Water weekly, ensuring about two inches of water, but avoid overwatering, as the roots need good drainage. To encourage flowering and fruiting, use a balanced fertilizer during the vegetative stage, switching to a low-nitrogen formula once flowers appear. Adding calcium supplements can prevent blossom end rot, a common issue in pepper plants​.

How to Save

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

Do Carolina Reaper plants need support as they grow?
Yes, Carolina Reaper plants benefit from staking or support, especially as they begin producing heavy fruit. The branches can become weighed down by the peppers, and a simple support stake or cage can help prevent breakage and keep the plant upright.

How do I use Carolina Reaper peppers?
These peppers add extreme heat to hot sauces, salsas, and powders. They’re also ideal for drying and grinding into flakes. Due to their intense spice, use sparingly in recipes​.

How spicy are Carolina Reaper peppers?
Carolina Reapers range from 1.6 million to 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units, making them significantly hotter than standard culinary peppers​.

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Hot Pepper Seeds, Carolina Reaper
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