Hot pepper 'Ghost (Buth Jolokia)'

Common name Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
Latin name Capsicum chinense
Quantity per packet About 10 seeds

It combines extreme heat with remarkable fruity flavor highly prized for artisan hot sauces. Its generous production and worldwide reputation make it an essential variety for serious chili enthusiasts.

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Product information
Product
identification
Common nameGhost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
Latin nameCapsicum chinense
FamilySolanaceae
TypeHot Pepper
CycleAnnual in Canada
Quantity per packAbout 10 seeds
Code produitFEGAR-0019
Product
description

Ghost Pepper / Bhut Jolokia Hot Pepper (Capsicum chinense) is a legendary pepper, also known as the Ghost Pepper, recognized as one of the first peppers to exceed 1,000,000 SHU. Its fruits ripen from green to intense red at full maturity and bring an impressive presence to the vegetable garden, especially on a vigorous plant that can reach up to 1.2 m (4 ft) tall. Its explosive heat is known for a progressive burn: it begins more gently, then builds after a few seconds and lingers for a long time. Grown as an annual in Canada, it also offers an intense fruity flavor highly prized by extreme pepper enthusiasts.

Ghost Pepper / Bhut Jolokia Hot Pepper requires a warm, long, and carefully managed growing season in full sun, in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors in early February, about 12 to 14 weeks before the last frost, at an ideal temperature of 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days but may take up to 6 weeks without soaking. Soaking seeds for 12 to 24 hours may help speed germination. After the last frost, space plants 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) apart, or grow them in containers of at least 10 L (2.5 gal), watering regularly without waterlogging.

In the garden, Ghost Pepper / Bhut Jolokia Hot Pepper is ideal for collector vegetable gardens, greenhouses, large containers, and very warm locations where harvests can be extended. It grows well alongside tomatoes, basil, onions, and cilantro, while benefiting from being kept away from fennel and beets. Its flowers may attract pollinators, while its red fruits are intended for very hot sauces, powerful marinades, powders, flakes, and spicy dishes. Wear gloves when handling, avoid contact with eyes, sensitive skin, children, and pets, and use only in tiny amounts.

Sowing
guide
Sowing periodStart indoors in early February
Best time
Start indoors in early February; transplant after the last frost
Sowing depth0.5 cm (1/4 in)
Germination temperature25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F)
Germination time10 to 20 days
Propagation
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) is propagated primarily from seed. Seeds collected from fully mature fruits can be dried and stored for future sowings.
Growing
method
Start seeds indoors approximately 12 to 14 weeks before the last expected frost, usually in early February in Canada. Soaking seeds for 12 to 24 hours before sowing may improve germination. Sow in a light, moist, well-drained growing mix while maintaining temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F). Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light to encourage compact, vigorous growth. Transplant seedlings into individual pots after they develop 4 to 6 true leaves. Gradually harden plants off before transplanting outdoors after the last frost. Plant in rich, fertile, well-drained soil.
Soil
and care
ExposureFull sun in a very warm, bright, sheltered location. At least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight are essential for excellent production.
Soil
Rich, fertile, loose, very well-drained soil enriched with compost before planting. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering.
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Water regularly without overwatering. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings to reduce the risk of root problems.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then switch to one higher in potassium during fruit production. Container-grown plants benefit from regular feeding.
Care levelIntermediate
Start seeds indoors under warm conditions to ensure reliable germination. Transplant seedlings after several true leaves develop, then gradually harden them off before planting outdoors after the last frost. During summer, water regularly without overwatering, fertilize periodically, and maintain organic mulch to conserve soil moisture. Harvest ripe fruits frequently to extend production until the first frost.
Container
growing
Recommended pot size
Minimum 10 L (2.5 gal)
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) grows exceptionally well in large containers when provided with constant warmth and excellent drainage. Use a container of at least 10 L (2.5 gal) filled with a rich vegetable growing mix. Place the plant where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Regular watering without waterlogging, organic mulch, and balanced fertilization encourage abundant harvests. Growing in containers also makes it easy to move plants and extend the growing season in Canadian climates.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) is a legendary super-hot variety renowned for its exceptional heat and rich fruity flavor. Its vigorous growth and abundant production make it one of the world's iconic super-hot peppers.
It combines extreme heat with remarkable fruity flavor highly prized for artisan hot sauces. Its generous production and worldwide reputation make it an essential variety for serious chili enthusiasts.
Garden use
Ideal for collector gardens, greenhouses, large containers, and warm microclimates where its spectacular red fruits provide abundant harvests and a striking presence throughout the growing season.
Bloom period
Small white flowers attract numerous beneficial pollinating insects throughout the summer.
Flower colorWhite
Foliage colorMedium green
Harvest
Harvest once the fruits become uniformly bright red and fully developed. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production.
Fruiting
Long 7 to 9 cm (3 to 3.5 in) fruits that ripen from green to bright red.
Wildlife appealBees and Pollinators
Size
and facts
Height1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in)
Growth rateFast
Minimum temperature12°C (54°F)
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Planting
partners
Good companions
Tomato, Basil, Onion, Cilantro
Avoid planting with
Fennel, Beet
Recipe
and inspiration
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) is intended for ultra-hot sauces, powerful marinades, chili powders, flakes, fermented recipes, and preparations reserved for lovers of extreme heat. Despite its exceptional intensity, it develops a rich, fruity flavor. Only a tiny amount is needed to season an entire recipe. Fruits can be dried, fermented, or frozen for year-round use.
Frequently asked questions
Start seeds approximately 12 to 14 weeks before the last expected frost, usually in early February. Temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F) encourage reliable germination. Soaking the seeds beforehand may speed up germination.
Ghost Pepper generally exceeds 1,000,000 SHU. Its heat builds gradually before becoming extremely intense and long-lasting. It is intended only for experienced lovers of super-hot peppers.
Unlike many other peppers, Ghost Pepper produces a delayed burning sensation that begins several seconds after tasting. This progressive heat is one of its best-known characteristics.
Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days but may require up to six weeks without soaking. Maintaining constant warmth significantly improves germination success.
Harvest fruits once they become uniformly bright red and fully developed. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production until the first frost.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.