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Organic red superhot pepper derived from crosses
Solanaceae
Organic hot pepper seeds
Organic red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper
Capsicum chinense
Product code : BIOVO-0077
Organic red 'Carolina Reaper' is a superhot pepper with bumpy fruit often ending in a distinctive pointed tail. Extreme heat and fruity aroma suit experienced gardeners and minute culinary quantities. Plants reach approximately 90–120 cm; germination requires 14–28 days at 24–30°C, and harvest begins around 110 days after transplanting. Each selection contains approximately 10 organic seeds. Keep the crop separate from ordinary sweet peppers and handle each ripe fruit with care. Always wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, maintain thorough ventilation, and label every fruit and preparation. A greenhouse, tunnel, or large movable container helps this late variety receive a sufficiently long season. Stake early, maintain even moisture, identify every plant from sowing onward, and reserve a protected work area for harvest.
- Quantity
- Approximately 10 seeds per packet
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual vegetable in Canadian gardens
Discover the plant
Common nameCarolina Reaper pepper
FamilySolanaceae
GenusCapsicum
Specieschinense
CultivarCarolina Reaper rouge
TypeOrganic red superhot pepper derived from crosses
Botanical nameCapsicum chinense
Organic red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper (Capsicum chinense) is a superhot pepper famous for extreme heat. Its bumpy red fruit often ends in a distinctive pointed tail and develops fruity aroma beneath the intensity. This crossed selection requires rigorous handling and minute culinary quantities. Vigorous plants create a striking presence in a warm garden or greenhouse. Each packet contains approximately 10 organic seeds. Reserve a clearly labelled growing space and use gloves when handling the mature superhot harvest. Growing it demands patience, steady warmth, and rigorous identification from sowing onward.
Sow 0.5 to 1 cm deep indoors approximately ten to twelve weeks before your local average last frost. Maintain 24 to 30°C until emergence, which may require 14 to 28 days, then provide intense light. Pot up before roots become crowded and harden plants gradually. Transplant only after frost risk has passed, the soil is warm, and nights remain above approximately 12°C. A greenhouse, tunnel, or movable 15 to 25 L container helps this late variety ripen during the Canadian season. Water consistently without saturation, maintain good airflow, stake early, and protect developing fruit from cold nights. Label every pot and keep seedlings separate from milder pepper varieties.
Plants reach approximately 90 to 120 cm tall and spread about 40 cm. Harvest begins around 110 days after transplanting, depending on warmth and growing conditions. Pick fruit once it is uniformly red and fully developed. The exact Scoville rating for this selection is not published, although this cultivar clearly belongs among extremely hot peppers. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, work in a very well-ventilated area, avoid touching the face, and keep fruit, seeds, tools, and every labelled preparation away from children and pets. Clean every contacted surface immediately and thoroughly after handling harvested peppers.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Approximately 0.5 to 1 cm (¼ to ⅜ in)
Spacing / density
Approximately 40 cm between plants; leave a wider path between rows for protected harvest
Germination temperature
Approximately 24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F)
Germination time
Approximately 14 to 28 days under steady warmth; individual seeds may take longer.
Sowing period
Indoors, 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Growing 'Carolina Reaper red' hot pepper from seed. Sow 0.5–1 cm deep in light mix eight to ten weeks before last frost. Sow indoors for 'Carolina Reaper rouge' according to the frost-relative timing above. Inspect leaf undersides and growing tips before treating any problem, keeping sprays off open flowers. A pepper seedling needs strong light, gentle airflow, and an evenly moist root zone without standing water. Plan around the way 'Carolina Reaper rouge' grows: vigorous, upright, branched, and productive. Keep access to the root zone for watering and inspection. Label every seedling because fruit colour and heat cannot identify young pepper plants. Give 'Carolina Reaper rouge' full sun, and keep water from collecting around the crown or container base. Feed moderately after establishment; excessive nitrogen can postpone flowers and ripe fruit. At final planting, space the plant approximately 40 cm between plants; leave a wider path between rows for protected harvest; crowding extra plants reduces access. Transplant only after frost risk has passed, the soil is warm, and nights are reliably mild. As this pepper matures, use the expected harvest form—bumpy red fruit often ending in a distinctive pointed tail—to guide support, inspection, and careful picking. Use clean, lightly moist seed-starting mix and steady bottom warmth; never leave the tray saturated. After late-season rain or wind, confirm drainage and support while preserving healthy foliage needed to finish ripening. Pick the pepper plant when colour and firmness show the desired stage. Wear suitable gloves, keep the hot harvest separate from mild peppers, and gather usable fruit before cold autumn weather damages it.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 6.8
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper has a long fruiting period, so its root zone should not swing repeatedly between dryness and saturation. As red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper's bumpy red fruit often ending in a distinctive pointed tail develops on a plant with vigorous upright branched productive growth, widen the wetted area with the expanding canopy and roots. Red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper is listed at approximately 110 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions; treat that as a planning reference and monitor moisture while later flowers and fruit are still developing.
Soil type
Red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper needs a warm, open root zone that can support its extended season without remaining waterlogged. Give red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper's vigorous upright branched productive growth enough uncompacted root area to carry bumpy red fruit often ending in a distinctive pointed tail. With red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper's harvest listed as approximately 110 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions, keep its soil open and workable through the full production period. Before planting red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper, incorporate mature compost and break compacted layers instead of creating a rich, wet pocket around the crown.
Fertilization
'Carolina Reaper rouge' needs steady nutrition, not lush nitrogen-driven growth. Choose amendments from soil results and crop response. For red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper, its branches should remain sturdy as fruit begins filling. Split necessary feeding instead of using one strong dose. For Carolina Reaper pepper, fruit development responds best once feeding becomes restrained. Stop when fertilizer begins favouring soft excess growth. Once 'Carolina Reaper rouge' buds, excessive nitrogen can delay fruiting. Correct drainage and moisture before increasing fertility. Even moisture helps red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper use available nutrients consistently.
Moisture
Consistent soil moisture without saturation; good air circulation around the foliage.
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for 'Carolina Reaper red' hot pepper. Red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper begins with season-aware timing—indoors, 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost—so compare that guidance with the actual spring or autumn at your site. Label the tray or row after sowing approximately 0.5 to 1 cm deep; seed generally emerges in 14 to 28 days at approximately 24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F), and slower seeds should not be disturbed. After emergence, give 'Carolina Reaper' seedlings bright light and gentle air movement; pot on before roots circle densely, without burying a weak stem in wet mix. Harden the plants gradually, then transplant only after frost risk has passed, the soil is warm, and nights remain consistently mild. Choose full sun and loose fertile soil, mixing in mature compost while preserving drainage around the crown. Water deeply at soil level, then let the upper layer begin drying; repeated drought-to-soaking cycles can interrupt flower and fruit development. If potted, follow this provision for red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper: deep, very well-drained 15–25 L container, one plant per pot. Recheck root-zone moisture whenever heat or wind increases evaporation. During flowering, inspect 'Carolina Reaper' foliage for pests, maintain airflow, and avoid excess nitrogen, which can favour leafy growth over flower set and fruit ripening. Follow the supplied harvest guidance—approximately 110 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions—while remembering that warmth and light still determine how quickly each fruit reaches its final stage. As fruit colours, use resistant gloves, eye protection, and labelled containers; keep every pod and preparation away from children and pets. Before the first autumn frost, move portable pots under protection or collect sound developed fruit, then remove diseased debris from the growing area.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Deep, very well-drained 15–25 L container, one plant per pot
Growing 'Carolina Reaper red' hot pepper in containers. For 'Carolina Reaper rouge', choose a container matching this guide: deep, very well-drained 15–25 L container, one plant per pot. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Fill the container with fresh, airy vegetable potting mix amended modestly with mature compost, never dense garden soil. 'Carolina Reaper rouge' develops the expected harvest form: bumpy red fruit often ending in a distinctive pointed tail. Use visible changes in the crop rather than the calendar alone to judge harvest. Water slowly when the upper mix begins drying, continue until surplus drains, and empty the saucer. Leave 'Carolina Reaper rouge' open to light, airflow, and watering at soil level. Its growth is vigorous, upright, branched, and productive. Place the pot in full sun where heat reflected from pavement will not overheat the roots. Place this pepper in full sun, while preserving drainage and airflow at root and leaf level. Check moisture daily during hot or windy periods, using pot weight and the root zone rather than a rigid schedule. Space the plant approximately 40 cm between plants; leave a wider path between rows for protected harvest to preserve access for watering, inspection, and harvest. Position supports so branches remain accessible without rubbing the pot rim, then inspect blossoms and fruit from more than one side. As nights cool, let the rate of mix drying guide watering, and inspect leaf undersides before sheltering the container. Let colour, firmness, and full development guide harvest rather than a fixed date. If the pot is moved before frost, check leaf undersides and keep it separate from other indoor plants.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in)
Width / spread
Approximately 40 cm (15.7 in)
Flower color
White to greenish white
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Simple herbaceous foliage
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Vigorous upright branched productive plant
Fragrance
Fruity aroma followed by extreme, persistent heat
Bloom period
For 'Carolina Reaper rouge', those self-fertile blossoms precede fruit development. Maintain airflow without repeatedly wetting the blossoms. Gentle air movement helps red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper release pollen. Support stems before the developing harvest adds weight. Carolina Reaper pepper opens small flowers where leaves meet its stems. Check moisture before blaming poor set on fertility. Secure 'Carolina Reaper rouge' before fruit weighs down flowering branches. Support stems before the developing harvest adds weight. red 'Carolina Reaper' hot pepper may also receive pollen-moving visits from insects. For Carolina Reaper pepper, its flowering branches may shed buds during environmental stress.
Fruiting
Plants bear bumpy red fruit often ending in a distinctive pointed tail. Harvest at full colour with chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and clean scissors without pulling branches. The exact Scoville rating for this selection is not published, but this cultivar is extremely hot. Chill or process fruit promptly, label every batch, and discard any specimen showing mould, rot, damage, or an unusual odour.
Days to maturity
Approximately 110 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions
Harvest
Allow Carolina Reaper peppers to reach their ripe red colour for the characteristic mature harvest. Cut the stem with clean pruners rather than twisting against a loaded branch. Wear gloves, keep hands away from eyes and wash tools and work surfaces after handling. Sort out damaged pods before storage or drying. Label harvested fruit clearly and keep it separate from sweet peppers and ordinary ready-to-eat garden produce.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Carolina Reaper needs an uncrowded position and a clearly marked harvest area. Low herbs or flowers can be grown nearby, but keep their routine picking paths away from loaded pepper branches. Separate pots make it easier to move companions as the pepper grows and to maintain independent watering. Do not mix harvested fruit with sweet peppers in an unlabelled basket. The useful association is a manageable garden layout with adequate light, not a claim that basil, marigolds or another companion can neutralize heat or guarantee protection from pests.
Plants to avoid
Avoid close rotations with tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and other peppers where soil disease or heavy pest pressure has occurred.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Fruit
'Carolina Reaper red' hot pepper in the kitchen. Small-batch very hot sauce — This preparation requires strict superhot-pepper handling. Ventilate strongly, wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and remove children, pets, and unrelated food from the room. Combine 300 g chopped mango, 150 g red sweet pepper, 80 mL cider vinegar, 80 mL water, and 2 mL salt in a saucepan. Add only a rice-grain-sized shaving of Carolina Reaper; seal and label the remaining fruit immediately. Simmer for twelve minutes, then let steam settle before blending with the lid secured. Return the purée to a gentle simmer for two minutes. Once cool, transfer it to a clean refrigerated container labelled with the cultivar, date, and an unmistakable extreme-heat warning. Test a single cooled drop thoroughly diluted into food and wait before adjusting. Never taste the concentrate directly or serve it without warning. This is a refrigerated sauce, not a tested canning formula. While still protected, wash every utensil, blender part, handle, tap, counter, glove, and contacted surface separately and thoroughly.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How hot is red 'Carolina Reaper' pepper?
Red Carolina Reaper is an extreme-heat Capsicum chinense, but the available product facts do not include a verified Scoville measurement. Describe it as superhot rather than attaching an unsupported exact rating. Its mature fruit is red, bumpy, and often ends in a pointed tail; appearance is useful for identification but not for estimating the dose that will feel tolerable. Use disposable gloves, keep fingers away from the face, and consider eye protection during a large preparation. Ventilate the kitchen if the pepper is heated, because airborne irritation can occur. Clean knives, boards, counters, and hands carefully, and keep scraps away from children and pets. Begin with only a minute amount in food, warn diners, and label fresh or preserved peppers plainly. An unripe green fruit must be handled with the same caution as a red one.
What is the difference between green and red fruit?
A green Carolina Reaper is unripe; red is the documented mature colour of this selection. The ripe fruit is notably bumpy and often ends in a pointed tail, so colour should be considered together with its characteristic shape. The approximate 110-day interval after transplanting is a planning guide, not a date that overrides what the fruit shows, since growing conditions affect maturity. Inspect peppers one by one and clip fully coloured fruit without tugging on the branches. Green and red peppers are both fruit from the same plant, but the red stage is the stated endpoint. Treat every stage as extremely hot. Wear gloves and consider eye protection while harvesting or cutting, provide ventilation during preparation, and clean knives, boards, hands, and work surfaces carefully. Keep harvested fruit labelled and inaccessible to children and pets.
How should red 'Carolina Reaper' pepper be started in Canada?
Give red Carolina Reaper an early indoor start for Canada's limited warm season. Sow seeds approximately 0.5 to 1 cm (¼ to ⅜ in) deep, then maintain 24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F) in the germination medium. Emergence can take about 14 to 28 days. Keep the mix evenly moist and provide bright light as soon as seedlings appear. Move plants to larger pots as their roots develop, and acclimate them gradually before transplanting. Wait until frost danger is past and outdoor conditions are reliably warm. Space plants about 40 cm apart, leaving a wider path so mature fruit can be harvested safely. One plant can also occupy a deep, very well-drained 15–25 L container. Allow approximately 110 days after transplanting for maturity, recognizing that growing conditions can change the actual schedule.
When should red 'Carolina Reaper' pepper be harvested and stored?
Red Carolina Reaper reaches its documented mature stage when the bumpy, often pointed-tail fruit is fully red. Begin checking around 110 days after transplanting, but use colour and sound condition rather than a fixed date because weather affects maturity. Wearing gloves, clip each fruit without pulling the branch. Keep bruised or split fruit out of storage. Refrigerate dry peppers for short-term use; for longer storage, freeze prepared portions or dry them completely before sealing. Treat green and red fruit as superhot. Wear gloves and eye protection, ventilate the workspace, and avoid touching your face during handling. Clean the knife, board, counter, and hands carefully. Label containers with the full cultivar name and a heat warning, and keep all fresh, frozen, or dried fruit away from children, pets, and foods intended to be mild.
Can Carolina Reaper be grown in a container?
Carolina Reaper can grow in a deep, very well-drained 15–25 L container, one plant per pot. Use a heavy vessel and support vigorous growth expected to reach approximately 90 to 120 cm. Put it outside only after frost danger has passed and nights remain warm. Water evenly, allow surplus to drain, and monitor the mix closely during hot weather. Its long season—about 110 days after transplanting—favours a warm, sheltered position. This is a superhot pepper: label the container, keep a clear protected route for harvest, and place it beyond the reach of children and pets. Wear gloves and eye protection for pruning or picking. The bumpy red fruit often has a pointed tail, but appearance never replaces strict handling precautions.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Carolina Reaper flowers are capable of self-pollination, with visiting insects sometimes contributing to pollen movement. A sheltered, warm position is more useful than promises of a particular pollinator pairing. When tending surrounding flowers, avoid accidental contact with harvested superhot peppers and keep fruit handling separate from ordinary garden deadheading.
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