Bhut Jolokia White

Pepper

Zone 2b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Bhut Jolokia White

🌱 120d to harvest Bush

A slow-building blaze with a bright, floral snap—Bhut Jolokia White brings an arresting, pale ivory-to-cream pepper that glows ag…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 20th
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 10th
Harvest Begins	Nov 7th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common disease issue for Capsicum chinense (Bhut Jolokia) and how do I control it?

A frequent problem is blossom-end rot (black, sunken spots on the fruit), usually caused by inconsistent soil moisture and calcium uptake disruption. Keep the soil evenly moist—mulch and water on a steady schedule—then avoid letting the pot/bed swing between drying out and soaking. If you’re growing in containers, ensure calcium isn’t being blocked by very high nitrogen; switch to a balanced fertilizer once plants start flowering.

How often should I water Bhut Jolokia during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruit set, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist, watering deeply when that layer starts to dry. In hot weather, this often means about every 2–4 days outdoors, but containers may need daily checks because they dry faster. Avoid waterlogging—Capsicum chinense roots dislike soggy soil, so water thoroughly and let excess drain.

How can I tell when Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the pods have fully colored up from green to their mature white/cream stage (follow the color shift typical for your plants) and have firm, glossy skin. Pods are usually ready around 120 days from transplant/growing conditions, but final readiness is judged by color and firmness—not size alone. If you gently tug and the pepper releases easily without tearing the stem, it’s at peak ripeness.

A slow-building blaze with a bright, floral snap—Bhut Jolokia White brings an arresting, pale ivory-to-cream pepper that glows against deep green foliage. The pods are slender and pendulous, with a smooth, taut skin and a crisp, juicy bite that delivers intense superhot heat and a clean, peppery edge. Grow it for bold fresh use and for fiery sauces, salsas, and pickling where its distinctive pale color and dramatic heat can shine.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

For superhots like White Ghost/Bhut Jolokia, keep soil consistently warm after transplant (not just past frost) and give full sun so flowers don’t drop.