GROW GUIDE

Ghost Pepper

Capsicum chinense

Plant Description

Ghost Pepper

A fiery chili plant recognized for its wrinkled, tapered pods that ripen from green to a vibrant red or orange hue.

This legendary pepper, native to Northeast India, is renowned for its intense heat and smoky-sweet undertones, making it a prized ingredient for spice enthusiasts and daring culinary creations.

Gardening Level: hard

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    21-28 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    121-150 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    18-24"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    2

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

Best Planting Locations

  • Garden Beds

    Best for warm climates with well-draining soil and ample sunlight.

  • Greenhouses

    Provide consistent heat and humidity for optimal year-round growth.

  • Indoors

    Thrives under grow lights, ensuring warmth and extended growing seasons.

  • Containers

    Perfect for patios, offering mobility and controlled soil conditions.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Thrives in heat and full sun. Choose a warm, sheltered spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors, a south-facing window or grow lights provide the best conditions.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with good aeration. Ghost peppers thrive in slightly sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus will support strong root development and fruit production.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 2 seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during germination, maintaining an ideal soil temperature of 80° to 90°F.

    Once established, space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.

Good Neighbors:

  • Basil:

    Enhances flavor of peppers & deters pests like aphids

  • Marigold:

    Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and deters nematodes which damage pepper roots

  • Garlic:

    Garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests

  • Onion:

    Onions deter aphids and other insect pests

  • Spinach:

    Spinach helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds

Enemy Plants:

  • Fennel:

    Releases compounds that inhibit the growth of peppers

  • Beans:

    Can compete for nutrients and potentially spread diseases to peppers

Attractants:

  • Aphids & Spider Mites:

    Feed on the leaves

Repellents:

  • Squirrels:

    Repelled by the capsaicin in the peppers

  • Rabbits

    Repelled by the capsaicin in the peppers

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Water at the base to avoid fungal issues.

  • Pruning

    Trim early flowers to direct energy into fruit production. Remove weak or overcrowded branches to improve airflow and encourage healthy growth.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Pick ghost peppers when they fully ripen to red, orange, or yellow. The peppers should feel firm to the touch, not soft or mushy. Use scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

  • Extra Tip

    Wear gloves when harvesting. The capsaicin in these peppers can cause skin irritation and burning. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling and avoid touching your eyes.

Favorite Uses

  • Curry

  • Hot Sauce

  • Chili Oils

  • Salsa

  • Pickles

How to Store

  • Room Temperature

    • Duration: 3-5 days
    • Location: Keep on a countertop away from direct sunlight
    • Method: Store freshly picked ghost peppers in a bowl or paper bag at room temperature. Ensure good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and spoilage.

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: 2-3 weeks
    • Location: Store in the refrigerator
    • Method: Place ghost peppers in a breathable paper bag or a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Avoid sealing them in airtight containers, as trapped moisture can cause rot.

  • Freezing

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method (Whole Peppers): Wash and dry peppers thoroughly, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping.

  • Drying

    • Duration: One year
    • Location: Warm, dry, and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight
    • Method: String whole peppers together and hang them to dry, or use a food dehydrator set to a low temperature. Once fully dried, store in an airtight container for long-term use.

Fun Facts

  • Fiery Defense

    Ghost peppers contain capsaicin, which not only makes them incredibly spicy but also acts as a natural deterrent against pests and animals.

  • Record Breaker

    In 2007, the ghost pepper was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the hottest pepper in the world, but it has since been surpassed by the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X.

  • Heat with Purpose

    Beyond spice, ghost peppers are used in military-grade pepper sprays and natural pest repellents due to their intense potency.

  • Culinary Daredevil

    Despite their heat, ghost peppers are popular in hot sauces, curries, and even spicy desserts for those brave enough to handle the burn.