If you’ve grown ghost peppers expecting the infamous heat they’re known for, but find your harvest lacking that punch, there are a few possible reasons why.
Ghost peppers, also known as Bhut jolokia, are one of the world’s hottest peppers. On the Scoville scale, which measures a chili’s pungency and heat, they can rank over 1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). That’s more than 400 times hotter than a jalapeno! With that kind of intensity, ghost peppers are not for the faint of heart.
So if you’ve managed to grow these fire-breathing beasts but find they lack that scorching heat, something has gone wrong. The good news is that with a few tweaks and troubleshooting, you can get your ghost pepper heat back.
Possible Reasons for Mild Ghost Peppers
There are a few main reasons why your ghost peppers may not be hot:
- Genetics – You may have gotten seeds that are simply from a milder strain.
- Growing conditions – Things like temperature, sunlight, and soil can affect heat level.
- Early picking – Ghost peppers gain heat as they ripen.
- Cross-pollination – Nearby pepper varieties could have crossed with your ghost plant.
Let’s explore each of these factors in more detail.
Genetics
If you purchased seeds from a less-than-reputable source, it’s possible the ghost pepper seeds are not the real deal. Certain suppliers may sell milder strains or mislabeled seeds by accident or to cut costs.
Always buy seeds from a trusted seller who can verify the specific pepper variety. Look for ghost pepper seeds from reputable specialty growers to increase your chances of getting the actual extra-spicy strain.
Growing Conditions
The environment your plant grows in affects how much capsaicin (the chemical compound that creates heat) the pepper produces. Ideal conditions lead to spicier peppers:
- Temperature: 80-90°F during the day, above 55°F at night
- Sunlight: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Soil: Well-draining with a pH of 6-7
- Moisture: Consistent watering, not too wet or dry
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced pepper fertilizer or compost
Make sure your plants get enough sun, nutrients, and watering to encourage spicy heat production. Extreme weather can also cause excessively mild peppers.
Early Picking
Ghost peppers increase in heat and capsaicin as they ripen. Picking peppers prematurely means they won’t have time to fully develop that signature spiciness.
Leave peppers on the plant until they turn red and look shriveled. Use the following table as a guide:
| Days After Flowering | Pepper Color | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|
| 50-55 days | Green | Mild |
| 60-80 days | Orange | Medium heat |
| 80+ days | Red | Very hot! |
For peak heat, wait as long as possible before harvesting.
Cross-Pollination
Pepper varieties can cross-pollinate when grown near each other. The resulting hybrid seeds then produce offspring with blended traits from each parent plant.
So if your ghost peppers were planted near less-spicy varieties like jalapenos, some of the seeds could have crossed and diminished the heat level. For pure ghost pepper results, grow them isolated from other chilis.
How to Turn Up the Heat
If your ghost pepper harvest disappoints, take the following steps to ensure a spicier crop next time:
- Buy seeds from a reputable supplier of super-hot peppers
- Optimize growing conditions for maximum heat
- Allow peppers to fully ripen before picking
- Isolate plants from other pepper varieties
- Consider overwintering plants for even hotter peppers the next year
With the right care and genetics, your ghost peppers should live up to their fiery reputation. Just handle these blazing hot peppers with care once they start bringing the heat!
Conclusion
Growing ghost peppers is a fun way to add some spice to your garden and cooking. But if your harvest fails to bring the heat, don’t fret. With a few tricks and optimal care, you can coax your plants to produce the tongue-scorching peppers they’re known for.
Pay close attention to source seeds properly, provide ideal growing conditions, and allow the peppers time to fully ripen. You’ll be rewarded with bhut jolokia peppers that live up to their “ghost pepper” name.
Just be sure to handle these blistering hot chilis with care. With a scoville rating of over 1 million SHU, the ghost pepper heat is no joke! Your taste buds have been warned.
