Want to grow Bhut Jolokia chillies from seed? Start the seed in a warm, bright, frost-free place, then grow the young plants on in full sun and freely draining soil. Treat the harvested fruit as potentially very hot and handle it with care.
Ready to raise a strong chilli plant? Follow our Peppers and Chillies Grow Guide for warm sowing, seedling care, South African regional timing, transplanting and steady watering.
Quick Grow Facts
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Crop group: Capsicum chilli. Handle fruit as potentially very hot; no fixed heat rating is promised.
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Season: start under warmth; plant outside after frost risk has passed and soil has warmed.
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Sowing: cover seed about 6 mm deep in clean, free-draining mix. Keep the mix warm and evenly moist, not saturated.
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Seedlings: give strong light after emergence, pot on when true leaves develop and harden off gradually before planting out.
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Position and care: full sun, freely draining soil and steady root-zone moisture. As general guidance, allow around 30 to 60 cm between plants, adjusting for actual mature growth, support and airflow.
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Harvest and handling: cut sound fruit with clean snips. Wear gloves when processing chillies or cleaning seeds; wash hands and avoid touching eyes or face.
If seedlings are slow, check warmth, light, drainage and moisture before feeding more. Protect young plants from frost and inspect pests or disease before choosing any registered treatment.
