Red Very Bitter Feat Jolokia Pepper

5 Seeds

Red Bhut Jolokia, also known as the Red Ghost Pepper, is one of the world's hottest chili peppers, typically ranging from 800,000 to over 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It requires a long growing season, warm temperatures, and protection from extreme Gulf summer heat. It performs exceptionally well in gardens, greenhouses, containers, and hydroponic systems.

Best Planting Time

• August to October (recommended for Gulf countries)
• January to February (for protected greenhouse cultivation)
• Avoid transplanting outdoors when daytime temperatures exceed 40°C.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in warm water (25–30°C) for 12–24 hours before sowing.
• Optional: soak in diluted seaweed extract or chamomile tea 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.

Temperature & Light

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

Watering

• Keep the growing medium evenly moist during germination.
• Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

Germination Time

• 10–30 days
• Some seeds may require up to 40 days, depending on seed quality and temperature.

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings when they have:
  • 4–6 true leaves
  • Height of 15–20 cm
• Space plants:
  • 45–60 cm apart
• Row spacing:
  • 70–90 cm

Harvesting

• Fruits are ready:
  • 120–150 days after sowing
• Harvest when peppers turn bright red and fully mature.
• Wear gloves when harvesting and handling fruits due to their extreme heat.

Gulf Climate Tips

• August to October offers the best growing conditions.
• Apply organic mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then switch to a fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus during flowering and fruiting.
• Provide good airflow and use shade cloth during heat waves.
• Red Bhut Jolokia grows exceptionally well in greenhouses and hydroponic systems with consistent irrigation.