Friday, April 13, 2012

How to Grow Ghost Chili Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)

Where can i find ghost chili peppers ? 

What is the hottest Chili pepper in the world? 
Ghost Chili 101- Easiest Way to Start Growing Magic Plant Ghost Chili   is the easiest I have found. 
The Ghost Chili, commonly known as the Bhut Jolokia, can be difficult to germinate yet the Magic Plant Company has simplified and made convenient the growing of Ghost Chili peppers all year around.








Ghost Chili

The Ghost Chili, offered by the Patent Magic Plant company, is also known as the Bhut Jolokia, Naga Jolokia, and the Bhot Jolokia. The Ghost Chili is a chili pepper recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the third hottest pepper in the world. The Ghost Chili is the hottest pepper that is commercially available.
The Ghost Chili, or Bhut Jolokia, originates in the Assam region of northeastern India and parts of Bangladesh. The Ghost Chili is grown in the Indian states of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, and the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. The Ghost Chili can also be found in rural Sri Lanka where it is known as the Cobra Chili.
In 2007, Guinness World Records certified the Ghost Chili as the world's hottest chili pepper, 401.5 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. The Ghost Chili is considered the hottest commercially available chili pepper. Several pepper growers claim to have hotter peppers, but offer Scoville heat unit (SHU) figures that are highly controversial among the pepper growing community. More rigorous scientific tests on these peppers are yet to be conducted. The Naga Viper, Infinity Chili, and the Dorset Naga claim to be hotter than the Ghost Chili, and supposedly has an average peak Scoville rating higher than an average Ghost Chili.



Here are the basics of growing your Magic Plant Ghost Chili:


1. Follow the basic directions on opening the can of ghost chili and watering directions.
2. Do not over water, especially during germination! This could cause the seedlings to die or develop fungal disease. 
3. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly before re-watering. If you find that overwatering has occurred, remove the plastic cap from the bottom of the can to release any excessive water that may have accumulated. Let the can drain out until no water drips from the bottom. 
4. Seeds do not need light to germinate just the optimal temperature and conditions. 
5. Ghost Chili seeds need the soil to be between 75 and 90 degrees F for them to germinate. The best location would be in the warmest part of your home. I chose the kitchen counter that received ample sunlight. If you choose a windowsill during winter months, do not leave it there if the sun is unable to warm it. I used a heating pad as alternate heat to keep my seeds at optimal temperature. Do not forget to check the soil temperature if you use a heating pad. When I was unable to supervise my Ghost Chili, I kept the plastic cap that came with it over it while I was gone a short time. If you use a heating pad, check the soil occasionally, as it will dry quicker than just at room temperature. Never allow the soil temperature to reach below 60 degrees F. This will delay germination.
6. The time until you see emerging seedlings can be between 8-10 days.
7. Seedlings need sunlight. If you decide to keep your Magic Plant Ghost Chili on the windowsill, choose one that is on the southern side of your home or one that receives the most sunlight throughout the day. Also, rotate the can to reduce leggy growth (that is when a plant is leaning toward the light source if left in one position, then roots will form on the side of the stem). I left mine on the kitchen counter, which is right next to a sliding glass door. It was the perfect spot for warmth and sunlight.
In short, warm and moist environment is the best way to go to keep your Magic Plant Ghost Chili healthy and on its way to producing beautiful Ghost Chilies for you to enjoy.