Carolina Reaper Pepper Plant
Carolina Reaper is a C. chinense pepper variety, rated superhot at 1,500,000 to 2,200,000 Scoville heat units, producing red pods. Austin Peppers sells it as a live nursery-grown plant. It is also known as Carolina Reaper, HP22B, Reaper.
We grow and ship year round. We grow out every variety here and check the pods ourselves before we propagate a batch to sell.
Also known as: Carolina Reaper, HP22B, Reaper
Heat Level: Superhot (1,850,000 SHU)
Species: C. chinense
Pod Color: Red
Price: $10.00 USD
Mature pod color: Red Held the Guinness World Record for hottest pepper from 2013 until Pepper X took it in 2023. Developed by Ed Currie (“Smokin’ Ed”) at PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Capsicum chinense, 1,500,000–2,200,000 SHU. Distinctive wrinkled red pod with a scorpion-like pointed tail. Some individual pods test above 2 million SHU. Grow it for hot sauces and for the novelty. Do not eat it casually. The Red Ghost pepper plant held the Guinness record before Reaper, from 2007 to 2011. For another red chinense with a scorpion tail, see the Black Tongue Scorpion pepper plant. Give Reapers a large container; our pepper plant container size guide covers chinense sizing. Bring a plant indoors before frost using our guide on how to overwinter pepper plants. If you want a second record-chaser on the bench, the Dragon's Breath pepper plant is another C. chinense superhot with small red pods.
Available as: Established Plant
Days to harvest: 90 to 120 days from transplant
Height: 30 to 36 inches
Origin: USA
What it looks like
Foliage: Green leaves
Flowers: Solid white/cream
Pod: 1 to 2 inches, habanero-type, pendant
Ripens from: Green/Mustard
Variety data: WikiPepper, Carolina Reaper
Care Guide
Start Growing Checklist
- Use 5-10 gallon container with drainage holes
- High-quality container mix (not garden soil)
- Place in full sun location (6+ hours)
- Water thoroughly after transplanting
- No feeding the first week. Start in week two
Grown for Health, Not for Show
Bulk growers who wholesale to hardware stores ship plants doped with Epsom salts. It keeps the foliage green for the shelf while the plant declines underneath. Artificial preservatives, but for plants. We don't do it. We focus on plant health, not bulk size: our plants grow with mycorrhizal fungi at the roots, and we feed them for steady, healthy growth. We build what lands at your door to keep growing, not to survive retail.
Sunlight Requirements
Place in full sun for best growth and fruit production. Minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also grows under artificial lights indoors.
- South-facing window best for indoor growing
- Rotate plant weekly for even growth
Watering Schedule
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Water deeply 2-3 times per week in summer
- Reduce watering in winter
- Use well-draining soil
Feeding & Fertilizer
Feed with balanced vegetable fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Switch formulas when flowers appear.
- Start fertilizing in the second week after planting
- Reduce nitrogen when fruiting to boost pepper production
Temperature & Climate
Prefers warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Protect from frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
- Bring indoors if frost threatens
- Happy in a bright window in any season
- Loves humidity 50-70%
Pruning & Maintenance
Pinch off early flowers to encourage stronger plant growth. Prune lower leaves for better air circulation.
- Remove yellowing leaves
- Support heavy branches with stakes
- Harvest regularly to encourage more peppers
Pest Prevention
Watch for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Inspect regularly and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
- Spray with water to remove pests
- Encourage beneficial insects
- Keep area clean and well-ventilated
Shipping
We ship plants carefully packed to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your garden.
Processing Time
All orders ship on a Monday. Order any day you like. For the health of the plants, we dispatch on Mondays only.
Delivery Time
Your order ships the next Monday after you place it. Faster options shorten the time in transit. They do not change the day it leaves us.
Some Leaf Drop Is Normal
Your plant just spent a few days in a dark box, and that's stressful for a living thing. It's normal for it to shed a few leaves when it arrives, usually the lower ones. That's the plant conserving energy, not a sign it's dying. With light, water, and a few days to settle in, it bounces back and pushes new growth.
Upon Arrival
- Unpack immediately and inspect your plant
- Water thoroughly if soil is dry
- Place in indirect light for 1-2 days to acclimate
- Gradually move to final location with full sun
- Contact us within 7 days if you have any concerns
Questions
How hot is Carolina Reaper?
Carolina Reaper measures about 1,500,000 to 2,200,000 Scoville heat units. That is roughly 352 times hotter than a typical jalapeño.
What species is Carolina Reaper?
Carolina Reaper is C. chinense.
What other names is Carolina Reaper known by?
Carolina Reaper is also sold as Carolina Reaper, HP22B, Reaper.
How long until Carolina Reaper produces peppers?
90 to 120 days from transplant to first harvest, depending on light and temperature.
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