Planting Super Hot Chilli Pepper Seeds: A Comprehensive Guide To Successful Germination And Growth

Do you struggle to get super hot chilli pepper seeds to sprout? Super-hot varieties, like the 7Pot Primo, Big Mustard Mama, and the Primotalii Chocolate require specific conditions to germinate successfully. This guide will walk you through choosing the right seeds and caring for them from sprouting to harvest.

Ready for your best pepper growing season yet? Keep reading for growing tips and tricks!

Choosing the Right Super Hot Chilli Pepper Seeds

When it comes to choosing the right super hot chilli peppers to grow from seed, there are different types to consider and environmental factors to keep in mind. Finding high-quality seeds is essential for successful germination and growth.

If you’re wondering where to purchase these seeds, we’ve got you covered!

Different Types of Super Hot Chilli Pepper Seeds

Super hot chilli pepper seeds come from the hottest chilli peppers around. They have a fiery heat and some can also taste pretty good too.

• Ghost Pepper: Known as Bhut Jolokia, this type once held the title of the world’s hottest pepper. Growers love it for its smoky flavor and intense burn.
• Moruga Scorpion: The sting is in the name. Its heat sneaks up quickly and is perfect for brave gardeners.
• 7Pot Bubblegum: Named 7Pot because one pepper can spice seven pots of stew. This is one of the hottest chillies I’ve ever eaten. Don’t let the cute name fool you! Beautiful looking too with its bleeding calyx.
• Primotalii Chocolate: Possibly the hottest chilli I have ever eaten. Hotter than the 7Pot Bubblegum!
• Big Mustard Mama: This is an INSANELY hot chilli pepper. Another chilli developed by Troy Primo in Louisiana USA, this superhot chilli surprised me with just how hot it was. Before the extreme pain arrived, I was impressed with the flavour.
• Scotch Bonnet: If you’re looking for prolific, and early producer of beautiful big red pods, this is your pepper. Not as hot as the others above. They are used extensively in West Indian cuisine.

I love growing a wide variety of hot chillies and I’ve also cultivated a number of my own super hot chilli peppers over the years. So, if you’re looking for a unique super hot chilli pepper that has a great taste too, then take a look at these beauties.

• CC Habanero Fire: With at least double the heat of a normal habanero, these come with a warning. This pepper is a Habanero crossed with a 7Pot Habanero and the pods are stunning.
• CC Jigsaw Brain: This chilli combines a Jigsaw with a 7Pot Brainstrain. It’s an absolute scorcher! I would estimate this to be above 1.6 million SHU.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Seeds

Choosing the right seeds is key to growing chilli peppers successfully. You want healthy plants that produce lots of hot peppers. So, here are some things to think about:

• Heat level: Check the Scoville rating to know how hot your peppers will be.
• Plant size: Some pepper plants grow really big. Make sure you have enough space for them.
• Grow time: Most superhots need between 90 and 120 days to get ripe fruit. Pick a variety that fits your growing season. Super hot chilli peppers take a long time to grow so make sure you read on if you’re keen to grow them this season.
• Temperatures: Check the germination and growing conditions you need for each pepper. Super hot chillies need a warm spot so depending on your location you may need to grow your chilli plants indoors to ensure success.
• Chilli pepper colour and shape: Decide what kinds of peppers you like the look of. They come in many colours and shapes.
• Disease resistance: Buy from legitimate, trusted vendors, to get seed stock that comes from healthy plants. This helps your plants stay strong and saves you from disappointment later in the season.
• Yield: Think about how many peppers you want from each plant. Some are more prolific producers than others.

Where to purchase high-quality seeds

Having grown chillies for more than two decades and had my fair share of disappointing seed purchases I started harvesting and selling chilli seeds a couple of years ago. I have a wide variety and some great reviews from the chilli community. 

I offer a guarantee on all seed purchases. A hassle-free replacement or refund for issues with seeds purchased from my store. All I ask is that if you buy seeds from me you take a look at my videos/articles to get started. Chillies can be tricky to grow if you’ve never grown them before (especially superhot varieties) and I want you to have a successful season.

Germinating Super Hot Chilli Pepper Seeds

It’s time to plant your hot pepper seeds – but wait, there are some tricks you can use to increase your germination rates! Pre-germination techniques and starting seeds indoors are crucial steps in successfully growing super hot pepper plants. Once the seedlings have sprouted, they can be transplanted into their final growing location for the rest of the season.

Pre-germination techniques

Before you sow seeds, use pre-germination techniques to increase seed germination rates. For example, submerging chilli seeds in tea for 24-48 hours softens the outer shell (scarification). You can also mimic winter conditions by chilling seeds in the fridge for a few days before planting, tricking them into thinking spring has sprung.

Starting seeds indoors

After pre-germination techniques, starting super hot pepper seeds indoors is an important step for successful growth. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose the right containers: Select small pots with drainage holes to plant the seeds.
2. Use quality soil: Fill the containers with well-draining soil.
3. Planting depth: Place 2-3 seeds ¼ inch deep in each container.
4. Maintain moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. I use a misting spray to keep up the moisture/humidity levels while germinating. You want to see droplets forming on the dome of your propagator.
5. Provide warmth: Place the containers in a warm location. Aim for 28°C or 82°F.
6. Provide light: Once your seeds have sprouted you need to add light. If you don’t have a very sunny window sill, you will need to look at getting artificial lighting. Take a look at this article of mine going into details about lighting for your chilli plants.
7. Transplant seedlings: Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots with rich potting soil.

Transplanting seedlings

Typically chilli pepper seedlings are ready to be transplanted 3-4 weeks after germination.

Here’s a guide to help you successfully transplant your seedlings:

1. Timing is important. Wait until the seedlings have developed three sets of true leaves before transplanting. Don’t rush to transplant! Your seedlings are delicate.
2. Choose a sunny location (or use artificial lighting). Make sure you have well-draining soil for transplanting the seedlings. Have a look at my soil mix recipe for some ideas.
3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the seedling’s root ball and carefully remove the seedling from its container. Top Tip: let the soil dry out until the leaves start to droop, it will come out of the pot easier this way!
4. Gently tease to loosen the roots and place the seedling in the hole, then backfill with soil and pat it down GENTLY.
5. Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly to help them establish in their new environment. Top Tip: keep a bottle of water in the same space as your plants to make sure it is the same temperature as the soil. This helps avoid shocking the plant with cold water.
6. Protect the newly transplanted seedlings from intense sunlight and wind for a few days to minimize transplant shock.
7. Monitor the transplanted seedlings regularly and provide appropriate care as they continue to grow.
8. Don’t feed your superhot chilli seedlings! There should be plenty of nutrients in the soil at this stage. If you really want to feed, then use a highly diluted seaweed fertiliser.

Growing Super Hot Chilli Pepper Plants

Mastering the ideal growing conditions, troubleshooting common issues, and learning how to prune and maintain your super hot pepper plants can be the key to a successful harvest. 

Ideal growing conditions

To grow super hot chilli peppers successfully, you need to provide the right growing conditions. 

Plant seedlings in well-draining soil, I know we have mentioned this many times….but it is VERY important….chilli pepper plants don’t like wet roots! I’ve developed my own soil potting mix to optimize growth. Choose a location that receives at least 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. Saturate your plants when you water them, but allow them to dry out between watering. Protect the plants from strong winds as they can damage the fragile chilli pepper stems and leaves. Ensure temperatures consistently stay between 70-90°F (21-32°C) for healthy growth, consider using a greenhouse or cloche to provide a warm, stable environment if you live in a cooler climate. And lastly, make sure there is air movement to avoid stagnant pockets of air and allow for gentle movement of your plants.

Common issues and how to troubleshoot

Sometimes super hot chilli pepper plants can encounter issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the more common ones:

• Wilting leaves: If the leaves are wilting, check the soil moisture and ensure it’s not too dry or waterlogged. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
• Yellowing leaves: Yellowing leaves could indicate a nutrient deficiency. Consider testing the pH of your soil and adjust the nutrients. Overwatering is the most common reason you see yellowing leaves….too much watering limits the uptake of nutrients, or even washes away nutrients you have provided.
• Pest infestation: Look for signs of pests such as aphids or mites. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or even better, hoverflies! Use an organic pesticide if you must.
• Blossom end rot: This issue is often due to calcium deficiency. But it isn’t as simple as just adding calcium. Make sure you have a good quality soil mix to start with, and you will avoid this. And remember that plants need Magnesium to be able to uptake calcium…so Top Tip: use a foliar spray of Epsom Salts to help keep your plants lush and healthy, and also help with the uptake of calcium.
• Drooping seedlings: If seedlings are drooping, they may need more light. Move them to a sunnier location or increase the duration of artificial lighting. Also check that you aren’t keeping the soil too moist.
• Root rot: Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged soil which leads to root rot. Adjust watering and improve soil structure if needed.
• Sunscald: To avoid sunscald on fruits, provide a temporary shade during peak sunlight hours using shade cloth or positioning taller plants strategically. This has never been a problem for me in the UK!

Pruning and maintenance

After addressing common issues that may arise during the growth of super hot chilli pepper plants, it’s crucial to focus on pruning and maintenance to ensure healthy and productive plants. Here are the key steps to take for optimal pruning and maintenance:

• Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of disease, discoloration, or pest infestation. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading.
• Remove dead or yellowing leaves to promote airflow and prevent diseases from taking hold. This also helps redirect the plant’s energy towards fruit production.
• Prune overcrowded areas to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the plant. This can help improve the overall yield and ripening of peppers.
• Pinch off any small, non-essential shoots that appear in leaf axils to encourage the plant to focus its energy on fruit development.
• Support the plants with stakes or cages as they grow taller to prevent breakage under the weight of developing peppers.
• Water the plants by saturating them, then let them be for a couple of days so the soil can partially dry out. I prefer bottom watering, this helps to avoid algae growth on the soil, around the stem of the chilli plant.
• Fertilize the plants every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus once flowers appear, and taper off as fruits begin to ripen.
• Keep an eye out for any signs of overwatering or underwatering, adjusting watering frequency as necessary based on environmental conditions and plant needs.

Fertilizing

After taking care of pruning and maintenance, fertilizing is crucial for the healthy growth of super hot chilli pepper plants. Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).

Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label, typically every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can negatively impact plant growth and fruit production.

It’s important to water your plants before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Additionally, consider using organic fertilizers or compost to promote long-term soil health and sustainability.

Harvesting and Storing Super Hot Chilli Peppers

Once your super-hot peppers are fully mature, it’s time to harvest them for maximum flavour and heat. After picking, learn the best techniques for storing your peppers to ensure they stay fresh and spicy until you’re ready to use them in your favourite dishes.

When to harvest

Harvest super hot peppers when they reach their mature colour, depending on the chilli variety this could be red, orange, yellow, brown, or even mustard coloured. Check the firmness of the peppers; if they feel firm and have a glossy sheen, they are ready to be picked.

Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems or other fruit. 

After harvesting, store super-hot peppers in a cool, dry place for short-term use. If you want to store them for longer periods, consider drying or pickling them. To preserve their heat and flavor, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight while drying.

Storing Super Hot Peppers

After harvesting your super hot peppers, store them properly to maintain their quality and flavour. Here are some tips for storing your peppers:

1. Drying: Dry your chilli peppers before storing them to prevent mould or spoilage.
2. Cool, dark place: Store your dried peppers in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavour and potency.
3. Air-tight containers: Use air-tight containers like glass jars or resealable bags to keep moisture out and preserve the peppers for longer.
4. Avoid moisture: Ensure that the storage area is dry to prevent moisture from affecting the quality of the peppers.
5. Freezing: If you have a lot of peppers, consider freezing them in sealed bags for long-term storage. Our freezer is bursting with chillies all year round.
6. Check regularly: Periodically check stored peppers for any signs of spoilage and get rid of any affected ones.
7. Labeling: Label your containers with the date of storage to keep track of freshness and potency.

Tips for Preserving and Using Super Hot Peppers

Preserving super hot pepper harvests is a great way to enjoy them throughout the year. Here are some tips for preserving and using these fiery gems:

1. Fermenting (my favourite!). This is simple to do, and delicious. All you need is salt, your chilli peppers and a container to ferment them in. For more details have a look at this fermenting playlist of mine.
2. Pickling: Submerge the peppers in a vinegar solution with salt and spices to create tangy pickled peppers.
3. Drying: String the peppers together and hang them in a warm, well-ventilated area until they are completely dry.
4. Freezing: Freeze whole or sliced peppers in airtight containers for later use in cooking.
5. Making powder or dry chilli spice: Grind dried peppers into a powder to add heat to dishes like chilli or stews.
6. Infusing oil: Combine hot peppers with oil to create spicy flavored oils for cooking or drizzling over dishes.
7. Hot sauce: Blend the peppers with vinegar and spices to make your custom hot sauce for adding heat to any meal. This one is always top of my list and I have plenty of recipes for you to try!

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing super hot pepper seeds can be rewarding. Super hot chillies require attention and care but can flourish with the right techniques. Be sure to start with high-quality seeds and consider your climate and growing space before you start your seeds. Use all of the tricks above to get the best germination rates and be sure to use well-draining soil. Keep an eye on your chilli seedlings to ensure they grow strong and healthy and monitor for any issues throughout the season. The sooner you spot and tackle any issues the better your yield will be. With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to start your own super hot pepper garden.

So get ready to enjoy the heat!

Planting Super Hot Chilli Peppers – FAQs

1. How do you start growing hot chilli peppers from seed?

To grow hot chilli peppers from seed, plant seeds indoors 1 to 2 months before your last frost date. Keep them moist, but not waterlogged. And most importantly, maintain a temperature between 25°C and 28°C (77°F and 82°F) to help them germinate.

2. How long does it take for super hot pepper seeds to grow into plants?

Super hot pepper seeds can take longer to germinate than other chilli peppers. It may take a few weeks to sprout and they need a long growing period of several months before they’re ready to harvest.

3. When should I plant my super hot pepper seeds outside?

You should wait to plant peppers outside until the danger of frost has passed. Frost can kill the plants, so make sure all risk of frost is gone. However, you may also find that growing super hot chillies outside in some regions can be challenging. For example, here in the UK, the summer simply isn’t long enough to get a good harvest, so you need to grow them in a greenhouse or polytunnel for best results.

4. Can I grow chillies in pots?

Yes, you can grow chillies in pots! Growing chillies in containers makes it easy to bring them indoors if needed and some varieties even thrive better this way, especially if you have a shorter season like I do.

5. What do I need to know about watering my chilli plants?

Water your chilli plants when the soil feels dry but don’t let them get too wet as this could harm their growth. Fully saturate the soil, then let it mostly dry out for a few days before repeating.

6. Why are some peppers extremely hot while others are not?

The heat level of a chilli is measured in Scoville units, which varies among different chilli varieties due to their genetic makeup and growing conditions.