Growing Hot Ghost Peppers
- Seeds take around 35 days to germinate
- Ready to harvest 5 months.
The ghost pepper, also known as the Bhut Jolokia, is a variety of chili pepper that is known for its extreme heat. It is considered one of the hottest peppers in the world, with a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of over 1 million. This pepper is mainly grown in northeastern India, and is used in many traditional dishes in the region.
Growing ghost peppers requires a warm and sunny climate, as they are tropical plants. They prefer temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C), and need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ghost pepper plants are also quite sensitive to frost, so they should be protected or grown indoors during cold weather.
In terms of soil requirements, ghost peppers prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and it is important to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Ghost pepper plants are also sensitive to over-watering, so it is important to let the soil dry out slightly between watering.
When it comes to planting ghost peppers, it is best to start them indoors in pots or seed trays, and then transplant them into the garden once they have developed several true leaves and have grown to about 6 inches tall. Proper spacing is also important, so be sure to space the plants at least 18 inches apart, as they will require room to grow.
During the growing period, it is important to support the plants by providing them with a stake, a cage or a trellis, so that the plant can stand upright and have a sturdy structure to support the fruits. Also, to ensure optimal growth, fertilizing the plants every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer is important.
The ghost pepper fruit is small and round, usually about 1.5-2 inches long and about 1 inch in diameter. It starts green, turns yellow, orange and finally red when it is ripe. The fruit should be picked by hand, taking care not to bruise or damage the fruit.
When it comes to taste, ghost peppers are incredibly hot and spicy. They have a unique and intense burning sensation that lingers on the tongue, which can make it challenging to enjoy the flavor. The heat can be overwhelming and can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, throat and even in the stomach if consumed in large quantities.
Ghost peppers are typically used in small quantities in traditional dishes such as curries, stews and pickles. They are also used to make hot sauces, and in some cases, it is dried and powdered form to be used as a spice.
In conclusion, growing ghost peppers requires a warm and sunny climate, well-drained soil and proper spacing. These plants are incredibly hot and spicy and its heat may be overwhelming to some people. Ghost peppers are typically used in small quantities in traditional dishes and to make hot sauces. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of ghost peppers, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks of consuming such a hot pepper.
