How to Grow Carolina Reaper Hot Peppers

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Learning how to grow Carolina Reaper hot peppers successfully is not impossible, even for a beginning gardener. Growing these fiery peppers requires patience, care, and the right conditions to maximize yield and spice level.

With an average heat level of 1,641,183 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and peaks of over 2,200,000 SHU., it is one of the hottest peppers in the world. Here’s what you should know.

Choosing the Right Seeds

There are so many kinds of hot peppers and sweet peppers to grow. If you are looking for some really hot peppers, Carolina Reapers are your jam!

Carolina Reaper seeds can be purchased from reputable seed suppliers to ensure they are true to the variety. Look for non-GMO and organic seeds if you want to maintain high-quality plants. My favorite seed company is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. They usually have everything I want to get into.

It’s best to start with plant starts that you find, but if you want to start your own seedlings, it can be done.

✔Here’s a link to a great vegetable garden planner you can print right out and use at home! So cute!

Germination Process

Carolina Reaper seeds can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days to germinate due to their thick seed coats and preference for warm temperatures.

• Soak the Seeds: Soak them in warm water for 12–24 hours before planting to soften the outer shell.
• Use a Seedling Heat Mat: Keep soil temperatures between 80–90°F (27–32°C) for optimal germination.
• Plant in Seed Starter Mix: Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Maintain High Humidity: Cover the trays with a plastic dome to retain moisture.

For a month by month garden planting guide that tells you when to grow, check this out.

Transplanting Seedlings

Once the seedlings develop at least two sets of true leaves and are about 3–4 inches tall, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden. If you were able to find Carolina Reaper plants, start here.

• Choose the Right Soil: Carolina Reapers thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5.
• Harden Off the Seedlings: Gradually expose young plants to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before transplanting.
• Spacing Requirements: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow airflow and reduce disease risk.

Sunlight and Temperature Needs

Carolina Reapers need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily and warm temperatures to thrive.

• Ideal Growing Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C) during the day and no lower than 50°F (10°C) at night. Pepper plants are finicky, so don’t plant them early. They really do prefer to keep their roots warm.
• Protection from Cold: If temperatures drop below 50°F, consider using row covers or moving potted plants indoors.
• Greenhouse Cultivation: In cooler climates, growing in a greenhouse extends the growing season and maintains optimal temperatures.

Watering and Humidity

While Carolina Reapers are drought-tolerant once established, consistent watering is crucial during early growth and fruiting stages.

• Water Deeply but Infrequently: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water 1–2 inches per week.
• Use Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilization

Carolina Reapers require a balanced feeding schedule to support growth and fruit development.

• Organic Options: Compost, fish emulsion, and bone meal provide natural nutrients.

Pruning and Plant Maintenance

Pruning Carolina Reapers encourages healthier plants and better air circulation.

• Remove Lower Leaves: Trim off lower leaves to prevent fungal infections.
• Pinch Off Early Flowers: Encourages the plant to focus on growth before producing fruit.
• Stake or Cage Plants: Heavy fruit loads can cause branches to droop, so support them with stakes or cages.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Carolina Reapers, like all peppers, are susceptible to pests and diseases.

• Common Pests:
  • Aphids – Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Spider Mites – Mist plants regularly to deter infestations.
  • Whiteflies – Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
• Common Diseases:
  • Blossom End Rot – Due to calcium deficiency; prevent with consistent watering.
  • Powdery Mildew – Avoid overhead watering and provide good airflow.
  • Bacterial Leaf Spot – Use copper fungicides and remove infected leaves.

Pollination and Fruit Development

Carolina Reapers are self-pollinating, but outdoor-grown plants benefit from bees, wind, and other pollinators.

• Hand Pollination: If growing indoors, gently shake flowers or use a small brush to transfer pollen.
• Boosting Yield: Companion planting with flowers like marigolds attracts pollinators.

Harvesting Carolina Reaper Peppers

It takes 90–120 days from transplanting for Carolina Reapers to fully ripen.

• Color Change: Peppers turn from green to bright red when ripe.
• Use Scissors: Cut the stem rather than pulling to prevent plant damage.
• Wear Gloves: The high capsaicin content can cause skin irritation.
• Storing Peppers: Store fresh peppers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or dry them for long-term storage. You can also freeze them whole or chopped as well.

Saving Seeds for Future Planting

If you want to grow Carolina Reapers again next season, save seeds from the best peppers.

• Dry Seeds Completely: Place on a paper towel in a warm, dry area for 1–2 weeks.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Keep in a cool, dark place.
• Label and Date: Helps track seed viability for future planting.

If you grow too many peppers, and don’t know what to do with them, check out what to do with excess hot peppers here. Here are also some recipes for hot peppers that might inspire you.

Whether you use them fresh, dried, or in sauces, Carolina Reapers add an intense heat that is unmatched in the world of peppers. Happy growing!