SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Chocolate Reaper

Pepper
Zone 10b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Chocolate Reaper to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Chocolate Reaper
110d to harvest

Sink your senses into Chocolate Reaper’s smoky, cocoa-deep aroma and a slow-building, fiercely hot bite that lingers like velvet heat. At maturity, the pods hang in dramatic, tapered shapes—deep chocolate-brown to near-black with a glossy skin—offering a firm, crisp snap and a richly complex flavor beyond mere fire. Grow it for bold fresh-pod snacking, for grinding into intense sauces, and for pickling where its dark color and superhot character shine in every jar.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 10b supports continuous outdoor production.
MilestoneDate
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Growing ApproachContinuous Production

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity110
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededStake
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)80
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Chocolate Reaper in Zone 10b typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Chocolate Reaper.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 10b supports continuous outdoor production.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common for Capsicum chinense (Chocolate Reaper), and how can I manage it?
In home gardens, Capsicum chinense often struggles with aphids and whiteflies, which can quickly stunt plants and leave sticky honeydew. Spray the underside of leaves with insecticidal soap, repeat every 5–7 days for 2–3 rounds, and remove heavily infested leaves early. If you see leaf spots or blight-like dark lesions, water at the soil line and improve airflow by spacing plants so foliage dries fast after rain or irrigation.
How often should I water Chocolate Reaper during the main growing phase?
During active growth and flowering, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for a consistent dampness about 2–3 inches down. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, typically every 2–4 days in warm weather, and slow deep watering until excess drains. Avoid letting plants swing from dry to wet, because Capsicum chinense can drop flowers and produce misshapen fruit when moisture fluctuates.
Botanical illustration of Chocolate Reaper

Sink your senses into Chocolate Reaper’s smoky, cocoa-deep aroma and a slow-building, fiercely hot bite that lingers like velvet heat. At maturity, the pods hang in dramatic, tapered shapes—deep chocolate-brown to near-black with a glossy skin—offering a firm, crisp snap and a richly complex flavor beyond mere fire. Grow it for bold fresh-pod snacking, for grinding into intense sauces, and for pickling where its dark color and superhot character shine in every jar.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Chocolate Reaper in Zone 10b typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Chocolate Reaper.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 10b supports continuous outdoor production.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For Capsicum chinense superhots, keep seedlings warm (and evenly moist) until well-rooted, then transplant only after soil is truly warm to avoid stunting.