Want to grow ghost peppers?
They may be tricky, but it’s possible!
With the right tactics, you can harvest these fiery peppers at home. Discover 7 easy steps to make it happen.
Ready to spice up your garden?
Let’s get growing!
Choosing the Right Soil
Ghost peppers love well-draining soil. Make sure you use a mix that allows water to flow through easily.
You can grab a good potting mix from your local garden center. If you’re feeling fancy, mix in some compost or aged manure.
This gives your ghost peppers the nutrients they crave. Remember to keep the soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 for the best results.
Planting Your Seeds
Start by planting your ghost pepper seeds indoors. Fill seed trays with your prepared soil and plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place the seed tray in a warm, sunny spot.
Ghost pepper seeds can take a while to germinate, sometimes up to 30 days, so be patient!
Transplanting Outdoors
Once your seedlings are at least 4-6 inches tall and have a few sets of leaves, it’s time to move them outside. Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
Make sure the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F. Dig holes that are big enough to fit the root ball of your seedlings.
Space them about 18-24 inches apart for good airflow.
Watering Wisely
Watering is a big deal for ghost peppers. They don’t like to be too wet or too dry.
Aim to keep the soil consistently moist. Water them in the morning so any excess can evaporate during the day.
A good rule of thumb is to water deeply but not too frequently. If the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
Feeding Your Plants
Ghost peppers are heavy feeders. Give them a balanced fertilizer every couple of weeks.
You can use a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release type. Just follow the instructions on the package and don’t overdo it.
Too much fertilizer can burn the plants and stunt their growth.
Dealing with Pests
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites. If you see any signs—such as discolored leaves or a sticky residue—take action.
You can spray the plants with a mixture of water and dish soap or use insecticidal soap. Ladybugs are also natural predators to many of these pests, so consider introducing some to your garden.
Harvesting Your Ghost Peppers
Patience is key. Ghost peppers can take about 90-120 days from transplanting to full maturity.
They start off green and turn red or yellow when they’re ripe. Use a pair of scissors to cut the peppers from the plant to avoid damaging the branches.
Wear gloves during harvest because these peppers are super hot and can irritate your skin.