Carolina Reaper

Pepper

Zone 2b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Carolina Reaper

🌱 150d to harvest Upright

A slow-building blaze with a dramatic first hit of bright peppery heat, followed by a lingering, smoky-sweet intensity—Carolina R…

Crop Dates

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

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	150
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	85
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Napoletano Basil

Non-Bolting Red Onion

Tropeana Lunga Onion

Ruby Ring F1 Onion

Mammoth Basil

Piccolino Basil Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Carolina Reaper (Capsicum chinense), and how do I fix it fast?

Watch for aphids and spider mites first—Capsicum chinense often shows curled, stippled leaves when infestations start. Spray the undersides of leaves with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap (or neem) in the evening and repeat every 5–7 days until no new leaf damage appears. If you see dark, water-soaked spots that spread or wilting that follows, remove affected leaves, improve airflow, and avoid wetting foliage during watering to reduce fungal spread.

How often should I water Carolina Reaper during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level is ideal?

During active growth and flowering, keep soil evenly moist but never soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In warm weather, this often means watering every 2–3 days, but always adjust based on container size and local heat. Use a deep soak so moisture reaches the root zone, and stop watering from above to prevent leaf diseases.

How can I tell when Carolina Reaper is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are fully colored (deep red for ripe fruit) and feel firm; immature green pods will not develop the full heat and flavor. Most Carolina Reaper peppers are ready around 150 days, but the key sign is color and firmness at the pod’s full size. If the skin looks slightly glossy and the stem area is tight (not wrinkled), it’s typically at peak ripeness—cut with scissors to avoid tearing the plant.

A slow-building blaze with a dramatic first hit of bright peppery heat, followed by a lingering, smoky-sweet intensity—Carolina Reaper delivers the kind of superhot thrill that lingers on the senses. At maturity, the pods form long, knobby spears with a deep, wrinkled surface and a glossy, dark red sheen, offering a crisp snap and unmistakable pungency. Ideal for bold flavor infusions, fiery sauces, and intense pickling-style preparations where you want heat to lead and flavor to follow.

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 maximum heat and yield, grow in consistently warm soil (60–70°F+) with steady moisture and high calcium (lime/wood ash where appropriate) while avoiding cold snaps after transplanting.