Carolina Reaper (Capsicum chinense) 2L Pot
Carolina Reaper is an extremely hot chilli variety grown for its heavily wrinkled red fruit.
The plant develops a bushy, branching habit with broad green leaves. The peppers begin green before ripening to red and commonly develop an uneven surface and pointed tail.
Fruit shape varies naturally, and not every pepper will produce the pronounced tail often associated with the variety.
Carolina Reaper was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s hottest chilli in 2013. It remained the record holder until it was replaced by Pepper X in 2023.
The fruit has a fruity flavour beneath its intense and persistent heat. It is mainly used in very small quantities for hot sauces, powders and strongly spiced dishes.
In the UK, Carolina Reaper requires a greenhouse or polytunnel for reliable growth and fruit production.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
Common name: Carolina Reaper
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Bushy annual or tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 70–120 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Broad green leaves
Flowers: Small pale flowers
Fruit: Wrinkled red peppers, often with a pointed tail
Heat level: Extremely hot
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Carolina Reaper in fertile, well-draining compost in a consistently warm and bright position. Transfer the plant into a larger and stable container as it develops.
Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth. Avoid allowing the plant to repeatedly wilt while flowering or carrying fruit.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young peppers appear.
The branches may require support when carrying several mature fruit.
Carolina Reaper grows slowly in cool conditions and should remain under cover in most parts of the UK.
Plants may be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position. Established plants may flower and fruit earlier during their second season.
Fruiting in the UK
Carolina Reaper can produce mature fruit in the UK when provided with sustained warmth, strong light and a long growing season.
The peppers may take considerable time to ripen fully from green to red. Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation is strongly recommended.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Carolina Reaper Chilli plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.
Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Fruit shape and tail development will vary naturally.
Important Information
Carolina Reaper peppers are extremely hot and should be handled carefully.
Wear disposable gloves when harvesting or preparing the fruit. Avoid touching your eyes, face or contact lenses and thoroughly clean knives, chopping boards and work surfaces after use.
Steam or vapour produced during cooking may cause irritation. Keep the fruit away from children and pets.