Ghost peppers (also known as Bhut Jolokia) are some of the hottest peppers in the world. These peppers are from the same linage as Scotch bonnets and habanero peppers. The average Scoville Heat Units (SHU) for this pepper is about 1,000,000! For reference, a jalapeno pepper has about 8,000 SHU. So this pepper is 125 times more hot than a jalapeno pepper! The pepper ripens from green to red when mature and has wrinkled skin. The ghost pepper is typically used dried as a spice, or can be made into a super hot sauce.
Planting/Harvesting Notes
- Plant in full sun and well draining soil
- Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart
- Matures in 90-100 days
Seed Saving
To save seed, allow the pepper to turn red on the plant, then harvest, cut the pepper, scrape out the seeds and dry on a flat surface such as a screen, paper plate or baking sheet. Allow to dry for 1-2 weeks and then store in a paper envelope.