Organic 'Carolina Reaper' Red Hot Pepper

Common name Organic Red Carolina Reaper Hot Pepper
Latin name Capsicum chinense
Quantity per packet About 10 seeds

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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Product information
Product
identification
Common nameOrganic Red Carolina Reaper Hot Pepper
Latin nameCapsicum chinense
FamilySolanaceae
TypeVegetable
CycleAnnual
Quantity per packAbout 10 seeds
Code produitBIOVO-0077
Product
description

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.

Sowing
guide
Sowing periodFebruary to April
Best time
February to April
Sowing depth0.5 to 1 cm (1/4 to 3/8 in.)
Germination temperature24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F)
Germination time14 to 28 days
Propagation
Propagated by seed. Seeds may be collected for breeding projects, although this variety is generally not considered completely genetically stable.
Growing
method
Peppers require a long growing season and benefit from an early indoor start. Sow seeds eight to ten weeks before the last expected frost in Canada using a light, well-drained seed-starting mix. Maintain temperatures between 24 and 30°C for rapid, even germination and vigorous seedlings. Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light to encourage compact, sturdy plants. Transplant into individual containers after several true leaves develop, then gradually harden off before planting outdoors. Grow plants in a warm location receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly while keeping the soil evenly moist, apply mulch to conserve moisture, and fertilize moderately to encourage abundant flowering and continuous fruit production.
Soil
and care
ExposureFull sun
Soil
Rich, fertile, perfectly drained soil. High organic matter promotes vigorous plants and premium-quality fruit production.
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Water deeply when the soil begins to dry slightly at the surface. Consistent moisture promotes optimal fruit development and reduces plant stress.
Fertilization
Incorporate well-aged compost before planting and apply a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season. Proper nutrition encourages abundant flowering and premium-quality fruit production.
Care levelModerate
Water regularly to maintain even growth and reliable fruit production. Fertilize moderately throughout the season to support flowering and fruiting. Stake plants when harvests become heavy. Harvest ripe fruits frequently to encourage continued production. Protect plants from cool temperatures that may slow development.
Container
growing
Recommended pot size
15 to 25 L (4 to 7 gal)
Growing Red Carolina Reaper in containers is highly recommended in Canada because this extremely late-maturing variety requires as much heat as possible to reach its full potential. Use a large container filled with rich, perfectly drained growing mix to support vigorous growth and abundant fruit production. Place the plant in the warmest, sunniest location available or in a greenhouse to maximize yields. Regular watering and balanced fertilization encourage abundant flowering and fruit production. Container growing also extends the season by protecting plants during cool weather.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
Its legendary heat combined with a complex fruity flavor makes it one of the world's benchmark super-hot peppers. This variety is especially prized by collectors and artisan hot sauce makers.
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.
Garden use
Red Carolina Reaper is ideal for specialty vegetable gardens, greenhouses, and rare Capsicum collections. Its spectacular red fruits create outstanding ornamental appeal while producing exceptional harvests for super-hot pepper enthusiasts. This remarkable variety becomes the centerpiece of any specialty pepper garden, while its flowers attract beneficial pollinators.
Bloom period
The plant produces numerous small greenish-white flowers that attract bees and other pollinating insects. Good pollination improves both yield and fruit quality.
Flower colorGreenish white
Foliage colorGreen
Harvest
110 days after transplantation
Fruiting
Extremely hot red peppers.
Wildlife appealPollinators
Size
and facts
Height90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in)
Spread16 in (40 cm)
Growth rateMedium
Minimum temperature12°C (54°F)
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Planting
partners
Good companions
Eggplant, carrot, onion, peas, tomato
Avoid planting with
Bean, fennel
Recipe
and inspiration
Red Carolina Reaper peppers are primarily used to make ultra-hot sauces, chili powders, and intensely spicy marinades. Their exceptional heat allows only a very small amount of fruit to flavor large quantities of food. The peppers can be dried and ground into powerful homemade seasonings. Their complex fruity flavor is especially appreciated by super-hot pepper enthusiasts. Gloves are essential when harvesting and preparing the fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Red Carolina Reaper is internationally recognized as one of the world's hottest peppers and is intended primarily for experienced super-hot pepper enthusiasts.
This variety has a very long ripening period and requires an extended growing season. Early indoor sowing greatly improves harvests in Canada.
Yes. Container growing is highly recommended in northern climates because it maximizes warmth and provides better control over growing conditions.
Harvest once the fruits reach a uniform bright red color and develop their full flavor. Fully ripe peppers provide the greatest heat and best culinary quality.
Yes. Gloves are essential to avoid irritation caused by capsaicin. Avoid touching your eyes or face after handling the peppers.
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.