Organic 'Carolina Reaper' Red Hot Pepper
This organic pepper produces exceptionally hot fruits prized by collectors of rare peppers and artisan hot sauce makers. Its vigorous growth and spectacular appearance make it a standout addition to specialty gardens.
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Organic Red Carolina Reaper Hot Pepper (Capsicum chinense) is a spectacular organic variety known for its bright red, heavily wrinkled, bumpy fruits that often end in a small curved tail. A true star of specialty vegetable gardens, it offers striking ornamental value while producing some of the hottest peppers grown. This vigorous annual reaches about 90 to 120 cm tall with a spread of 40 cm when given enough warmth. Its complex fruity flavor, followed by extreme intensity, makes it a variety reserved for experienced super-hot pepper enthusiasts and highly spicy artisan sauces.
This pepper requires a very warm, very sunny, protected location with rich, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral, perfectly drained soil. Start seeds indoors from February to April at 24 to 30°C to support its long ripening period in Canada. Growing in 15 to 25 L containers or in a greenhouse is strongly recommended to maximize available warmth and extend the season. Regular watering without excess, balanced fertilization, and staking when needed encourage abundant flowering and steady production.
In the garden, Red Carolina Reaper belongs in rare Capsicum collections, greenhouses, and vegetable gardens dedicated to extreme varieties. Its fruits must be used with great caution for hot sauces, chili powders, marinades, and extremely spicy cooking. Gloves are essential during harvest and preparation. It pairs well with eggplant, carrot, onion, peas, and tomato in a diverse vegetable garden. Its small greenish-white flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity and harvest quality.
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