Are ghost chili peppers hard to grow? Ghost chili pepper is used as a spice in many cuisines around the world to add pungent heat to dishes. This plant originated from Mexico and although many avoid using this due to its intensity it does have its benefits and numerous uses in recipes too.
It does have some interesting effects when used in dishes.
Ghost chili pepper is regarded as one of the hottest pepper in the world, it is suitable for people who like the thrill of hot pepper, and although it is not considered easy to grow. But proper planning and plenty of sunlight are required to grow ghost chili peppers.
Peppers are necessities at any buffet table and if you want to grow this plant, you need the hot sun to penetrate right into your garden ghost chili peppers can be planted, but the growers have to enjoy it of heat as well.
Some like their chili pepper to be extremely hot and some like it mild. Whichever way you want it, read on for ways you can learn how to properly grow it in your garden.
Ghost Chili Pepper Plants
The ghost chili pepper plant is also known as Bhut jolokia and it’s typically grown in India.
Ghost chili pepper plants need the right growing condition for them to thrive, it is not advised to be eaten raw and when used in dishes, it has an almost sweet smoky aftertaste flavor. This plant can grow up to 5 feet with the right maintenance.
If you are looking to add some spice to your garden, many people suggest ghost chili pepper plants to help you get rid of invaders in your garden. Lots of people in some places like their food hot and if you are one of them, you should plant ghost chili pepper in your garden.
The method of planting ghost chili pepper is similar to other peppers and it’s even more straightforward to grow in your home garden. However, you need to watch out for this plant as it can be a target for some pests like aphids, thrips, slugs, flea beetles, and spider mites.
How to Grow Ghost Chili Peppers In Your Garden
Grow ghost chili peppers in a location with full sun at least 6 hours daily and in well-drained soil.
The best way to plant chili peppers is in planters filled with potting soil. Required soil pH is 6.2 and 7.0. Mulch with compost or bone and blood meal if you are planting in the ground to make it richer.
You need to be extremely patient when growing ghost chili peppers. Start it indoors from seed between eight and 10 weeks if you want to get a head start and keep the soil warm and moist. To help ghost chili peppers thrive, you need to keep the soil moil and they are not drought-resistant plants either.
Another way to ensure your chili peppers are growing perfectly is to fertilize regularly throughout their growing season.
It will thrive in any time of fertilizer but avoid ones with high nitrogen and lastly, they are prone to pests hence you need to control that with a natural insecticide such as neem oil.
Tips For Growing Healthy Ghost Chili Peppers
What ghost chili peppers require the most is heat and humidity to encourage fast production.
Growing chili pepper in the right condition will have it producing an abundant harvest in no time. But first below are important tips to note when growing chili peppers in your garden.
- Choose well-drained soil and avoid a muddy area with a pool of water
- Chili peppers thrive in slightly acidic soil of pH 6.2 and 7.0
- Choose a location that provides it with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight
- Add some compost if you are planting in the ground
- Be patient, it can take it 35 days or more to germinate
Ghost Chili Peppers FAQs
Ghost chili pepper is not an easy plant to grow, but here are questions and answers that make it a lot easier to grow and care for.
How long does it take to grow ghost peppers?
It tends to take ghost peppers a while before growing any pepper however with proper care, it can produce up to 100 peppers in 120 days. Ghost peppers are slow growers so they need 120 days or more before maturing and ensure to water frequently to encourage production.
Are ghost peppers hard to grow?
Due to their requirements and long growing season, they are harder to grow compared to other types of peppers. They do require a certain amount of heat and humidity to thrive and giving it the right amount can be quite tricky which is why they are considered hard to grow.
Do ghost peppers come back every year?
Ghost chili peppers are annuals but they can last between 3 and 5 years with the right growing condition. Most peppers have a simple process that is sown, grown, picked, and condemned for the rest of the season. Ghost chili peppers can produce all year long in the right condition and you might not get winter produce but they can survive that long.
Why are my ghost peppers not hot?
Ghost chili peppers are considered to be on the list of the hottest type of pepper but if they are not hot, this can be s a result of improper site use, varieties combined with the wrong soil.
To make your chili pepper fiery hot, add a dose of sulfur in the soil or a higher heat range.
Final Thoughts
Growing ghost chili pepper in your garden is not as complicated as it sounds. Not everyone is a fan of hot pepper, but this hot spice has an almost sweet smoky aftertaste everyone grows to like.
Ghost chili pepper in hot sauces and spicy dishes and if you make any of this a lot, learning how to grow it in your garden will be more beneficial.
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