About this seed

Blood Ghost is a colour selection of the Ghost Pepper, Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense, family Solanaceae), with dark red to maroon pods mottled with black. It is extremely hot, above 800,000 Scoville heat units. The packet holds 5 seeds.

Fruit and plant

Wrinkled pods 6–9 cm (2.5–3.5 in) long
Ripen to dark red or maroon, often with black mottling
Plants up to about 1.2 m (4 ft) tall that need room and support
Fruity, slightly smoky flavour under the heat; used for hot sauces, salsas and chili powder

Sow warm: soil at 24–29 °C

Start the seed indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost and keep the soil at 24–29 °C until seedlings appear. We have no species seed specification for Capsicum chinense yet, so this temperature comes from the variety notes for this item.

Planting out

Transplant once seedlings are established and frost has passed, 45–60 cm apart, in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging, which leads to root disease.

A long season

Pods are ready about 100–120 days after transplanting, depending on conditions, so start early.

What you get: 5 seeds per packet. Keep any seed you do not sow sealed, cool and dry. We have no tested storage life or germination percentage for this packet and do not state one.

FAQ

How should I handle the fruit?

Wear gloves and keep the pods and your hands away from your eyes and skin; at over 800,000 Scoville heat units they cause irritation.

Does the plant need a stake?

Yes. At up to 1.2 m it needs space and support.