Photo: "Bhut Jolokia or Ghost Peppers" by Chella p · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pepper · Hot-pepper

Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper

Annual · Solanaceae

Bhut Jolokia is the classic ghost pepper, famous for extreme heat, thin-walled wrinkled fruit, and a long ripening season. It is best for gardeners who can provide real summer warmth and who understand that superhot peppers are slower and fussier than ordinary hot peppers.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

90–120 days

Sun

8+ hours

full sun 8+ hours, with reflected heat or a warm wall helpful in cooler zones

Spacing

18–24 "

Seed Start

8–12 weeks

before transplant

Container

Not Ideal

5+ gallon pot

Height

2.5–4 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–21 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F

Harden Off 7 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Consistent

Method Drip

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Soil Type Warm, fertile, well-drained loam rich in organic matter.

Support Stake — A stake or ring prevents brittle branches from snapping under a heavy superhot crop.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Low

Common Problems

aphids

Cause: Tender new growth attracts sap-feeding insects that distort leaves and spread disease.

Prevention: Inspect growing tips regularly and wash off colonies early or use a light neem rotation.

blossom-drop

Cause: Cool nights, very hot nights, or drought can cause blooms to abort before fruit set.

Prevention: Keep roots warm, water evenly, and avoid excess nitrogen during bloom.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Calcium Critical — supplement recommended

Recommended Recipes Root drench, Silica foliar, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Peppers are ripe when they reach full mature color, feel firm, and detach with a clean cut.

Expected Yield 0.5–2 lbs/plant

Storage 10 days — Refrigerate dry fruit in a ventilated bag; for long keeping, freeze whole or dry.

Sources

seed_catalog Rare Seeds university University of Minnesota Extension

More Peppers

Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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