Bitter Habanero Pepper

10 Seeds

Bitter Habanero Pepper is a highly productive hot chili variety belonging to the Capsicum chinense species. It produces lantern-shaped fruits that ripen from green to bright orange or red, depending on the variety. It is famous for its intense fruity aroma and very high heat level (approximately 100,000–350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)). It is ideal for hot sauces, salsas, marinades, drying, and spicy cooking. This variety performs very well in the Gulf region when grown during the cooler months and is suitable for gardens, containers, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.

Best Planting Time

• August to October (recommended)
• January to February (for protected greenhouse cultivation)
• Avoid outdoor planting when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 40°C.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in warm water (28–30°C) for 12–24 hours before sowing.
• Optional: soak in diluted seaweed extract to improve germination.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Coco peat
• 30% Compost
• 20% Garden soil
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or nursery pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 28–32°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 22–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• During extremely hot Gulf afternoons, provide 30–40% shade cloth.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid overwatering and ensure excellent drainage.

Germination Time

• 14–28 days
• Some seeds may take up to 35 days to germinate.

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings when they have:
  • 4–6 true leaves
  • Height of 15–20 cm
• Space plants:
  • 50–60 cm apart
• Space rows:
  • 75–90 cm apart

Harvesting

• Harvest begins:
  • 100–120 days after transplanting
• Harvest fruits when they reach their final mature color (orange, red, or yellow depending on the variety).
• Frequent harvesting encourages continuous flowering and fruit production.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Plant during August to October for the best harvest.
• Apply organic mulch to keep roots cool and reduce water evaporation.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus during flowering and fruiting.
• Ensure good air circulation and protect plants from extreme afternoon heat.
• Bitter Habanero Pepper grows exceptionally well in containers, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.