Superhot peppers (ghost, reaper, scotch bonnet) need a head start and warmth. A seedling heat mat to germinate the seed, a grow light for the early weeks, a seed-starting tray with a humidity dome, and a pack of superhot seeds. Start them 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, pot up as they grow, and they fruit in the long, hot days of summer.
Plans
Choose a plan that fits your needs and budget
Item List
4Light & Seed
2 items
Germination
2 items
Plan Totals$125
FAQ
Common questions about this kit
Why a heat mat for peppers?
Pepper seeds — especially superhots — germinate slowly and unreliably at room temperature, fast and reliably at 80 to 85F. A seedling heat mat holds that sweet spot and can cut germination from 3 weeks to 1. It is the single biggest lever for getting superhots to sprout.
Why start them so early?
Superhots are slow — 8 to 10 weeks indoors before they are big enough to plant out, and then a long season to fruit. Start them in late winter (under grow lights) so they are transplants by the last frost and fruiting by late summer. Direct-sowing seeds in the garden misses the season.
How hot, really?
Jalapeños are ~5,000 Scoville; habaneros and scotch bonnets ~250,000; ghosts ~1,000,000; reapers ~1,500,000+. Handle the superhots with gloves — the capsaicin burns skin and eyes for hours. Never touch your face after handling a superhot. Respect the heat.
When do I harvest?
Peppers start green and ripen to red/orange/yellow as they mature — the ripe color is sweeter, fruitier, and hotter. Cut (do not pull) the fruit when fully colored. The longer they stay on the plant, the hotter and more flavorful; the first green ones are mildest.
User Reviews
5.0 / 5.0
Hot peppers and my terrariums share the grow-light-and-the-warmth gospel — a heat mat at 85F is the bright-indirect-light at the window. Start 8 to 10 weeks early is the case-the-terrarium-before-you-plant patience, agreed.