Ghost Chilli 'Bhut Jolokia' — A fiery legend with a smoky punch!
Once crowned the world's hottest chilli, the Bhut Jolokia (a.k.a. Ghost Pepper) still ranks as one of the most fearsome firebombs out there — with over 1 million Scoville Heat Units! Native to Northeast India, this slow-ripening chilli brings intense heat with a smoky, slightly fruity flavour that adds serious kick to curries, sauces, and chilli oils.
How to Grow:
Sowing Time:
Late spring to midsummer (September—December) — Ghost Peppers love long, hot summers. Start early indoors if your growing season is short.
Germination:
14—35 days at 26—32°C
Ghost chillies germinate slowly and love warmth! Use a heat mat or warm, sunny windowsill to maintain even temperatures.
Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep and keep moist but not soggy.
Transplanting:
Transplant when seedlings have at least 4 true leaves and all danger of frost is past. Harden off gradually to full sun.
Position:
Full sun — 6—8+ hours of direct sunlight per day.
Ghost peppers demand heat and light to thrive and fruit well.
Soil:
Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or aged manure.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0—6.8)
Ghosts don't like "wet feet," so raised beds or containers with good drainage work well.
Watering:
Moderate — keep soil moist but never soggy.
Water deeply when the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Reduce watering slightly once fruit starts to ripen.
Harvest Time:
120—150 days from sowing
Fruits mature from green to bright red-orange with a wrinkled, ghostly appearance.
Harvest with gloves and caution — even brushing against ripe pods can transfer oils.
Height & Spread:
90—120 cm tall
60—90 cm wide
Upright, bushy plants perfect for sunny beds or large pots. Stake if needed.
Top Tips:
Be patient — Bhut Jolokia takes time to ripen, especially in cooler regions
Handle seeds, seedlings, and fruit with gloves
Feed monthly with potassium-rich fertiliser (like tomato food)
Pick ripe fruits regularly to keep plants producing
Ideal for drying or fermenting into hot sauce
Pollinator Friendly:
Attracts bees and helpful pollinators with its delicate white flowers — great for the garden ecosystem!
Why Grow Bhut Jolokia?
One of the hottest chillies on earth
Smoky, complex heat ideal for hot sauces, pickles, powders
A true talking point for spice lovers and brave gardeners
Grows well in containers or garden beds with enough sun
Stores beautifully dried or frozen for year-round fire
CAUTION:
Use gloves, avoid eye contact, and wash hands after handling — this chilli is no joke. Start small when tasting!
Grow the Ghost if you dare — and bring heat, drama, and flavour to your garden with the legendary Bhut Jolokia!
