Question:
Jamie
I’ve read somewhere that I should keep 250 ft between hot pepper species to prevent cross-pollination (arbol/habenero/jolokia).
Is this for real? My space is limited.
Greg Conway
Answer:
Hi Greg,
There is a chance of crossing, but I wouldn’t worry about it. Peppers are self-pollinating and usually take care of their own. If you are still concerned, then you will have to “bag” your pepper plants with a light netting.
Good luck!
Jamie
Question:
Hello!
I just had a question about the Jolokia plant development. I had really good luck germinating about a dozen seeds back in mid-April. Almost 2 months later, my plants are now only about 1-1/2″ tall with 2-4 true leaves. They’re also the slightest bit yellow in color. I’ve grown a lot of other chiles, but these are my first Jolokias and I don’t know if I’m missing something or if they’re just really slow growers! All of my other peppers are already in the ground and some are even fruiting already.
Like my other peppers, I germinated my Jolokias in disposable containers in an organic sphagnum peat / forest compost potting soil. Watering when the top soil is dry. Up here in New Jersey it was warm enough to start getting the plants out into full sun in mid-May and they’re out in 70-90 degree, mostly sunny weather every day now. I also sprinkled a small amount of a 3-1-2 bone/blood/fish meal fertilizer in with the soil as well. No issues with pests this year either.
Is the slow growth and yellow tinge normal or is something wrong with the above approach?
Really appreciate any information, this has been a really fun experiance so far!
thanks,
Alex Smith
Answer:
Aloha Alex,
Sounds like you’re doing everything correctly, but the yellow color is not normal. Can you email me a picture? Might be overwatering.
The Chili Pepper Institute in New Mexico doesn’t recommend this pepper for the “novice” grower (not saying that this pertains to you) but the Bhut Jolokia is a tough one to establish. Once it takes off, it grows like crazy.
Send me the photo please and good luck!
Jamie
Question:
Dear Jamie
First off, I want to say thanks for your website and am sad so see you stop selling. Your website has been a How To Bible on growing Bhut Jolokia’s from seeds.
I added my own touch and started them in petri dishes, with 3 daygermination’s. But I’m trying to plan ahead to make my first season successful. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio, one of the few places on earth where it’s 11 degreees F in the summer and -20 degrees F in the winter, with droughts and monsoons to bhut.
I have my seeds to the point where there about 2 days from showing first leaves. I keep them in a nice dark soil that I just got from store. I was wondering if there was anything that I could fertilize them with that would increase growth and fruit production without decreasing the peppers potential heat levels. You know, the King of Fertilizers.
Oh, one last thing, have you ever pickled your Jolokia’s, and if so, is it good?
Thank you very much,
Nick
Answer:
Hi Nick,
Thanks for writing. Sounds like you are having fun with the Bhuts. They are a challenge to grow but well worth the effort. As far as fertilizer, I would use a well rotted horse manure if you can find it. Do not use steer as it usually contains too much salt. Or you could use fish emulsion or kelp.
Be sure to deep water every two days when the weather is really hot. You may have to put shade cloth over the plants to keep the temperatures in the low ninties.
As far as pickling, no not yet, but I bet they would be good in small doses.
Talk to you later,
Jamie
Question:
Hello,
I would very much like to purchase some of your Bhut seeds. How is your site arranged? I didn’t see any purchasing information.
Thank you.
Duffy O’Carroll
Answer:
Aloha Duffy,
Please go to the top right of any page on our site. That will take you to the purchase page. Then, make sure to check the “disclaimer” box so your order can be processed.
Mahalo,
Jamie
Response:
Aloha Jamie,
I just wanted to update you on the seed status. The sprouts came up in 13 days; I planted them on Marrch 13. I am still waiting on a couple to come up but they are doing well. I am very happy with the quality and appreciate them very much. Thanks so much.
Duffy
Question:
Jamie,
I bought a Jiffy tray with a top. It has the tall Jiffy plugs. I soaked the seeds over night and planted them a week ago yesterday. I have an inside/outside thermometer inside the tray, sensor level with the top of the Jiffys. They’ve been by my side at work in my cube (during the week) with a heating pad that I turned off and on to maintain about 80-85.
I saw the first plant on Thursday last. It was fully out on Saturday. 8 days after planting I have four fully up and 5 more showing. 9 out of 16 so far.
They are much more like regular peppers (germinating) than I thought.
One came up with the seed casing on the end of its stem and the leaves can’t come out. I’ve never had any luck getting these off without killing the plant. Do you have any suggestions. I don’t want to lose it.
I’ve moved three of the plants to a large sytofoam cup. I put a sandwich baggie over the cup to help keep the humidity up a little. Its dry in my house still with the forced hot air. An extreme change from the humid Jiffy Tray. Any suggestions for the brand new plants?
Thanks again,
Jim
Answer:
Hey Jim.
That’s great news and that is just about right on the time frame. They will keep popping up over the next week or two. As far as the seed casing goes, leave it alone. It will come off all by itself, not a problem. Keep them warm and moist and then transplant to a 4″ pot or larger when they are about 4″ tall. Don’t fertilize for at least 3 or 4 weeks after transplanting. Then when Bhuts are 8″ tall and sturdy looking with several leaves, transplant them to their final growing place. Then fertilize a few weeks after that and then on a regular basis every 3 weeks. Deep water every 2 days to at least 16″ when it gets over 90 degrees.
If you need any more info, let me know Bro. Good luck!!!
Jamie
Question:
Hi Jamie:
I’m starting up a couple of plants and have had some trouble germinating the first round of seeds.
I soaked the seeds in a small disposable gladware plastic container overnight (I used bottled water). I then put a paper towel over them and have kept it fairly moist/wet for a few days, but the seeds don’t seem to be doing anything.
I’ve also purchased some of those small degradable cardboard starter cups which I was expecting to use after they’d started to sprout.
I only used 5-6 seeds for this first round and still have plenty left.
Is there something I’ve done wrong here? Should I just try and germinate them in a bit of potting soil in the small cups?
The soil here in Kahului is quite sandy, so I was going to dig a 2×2 hole and use quick draining miracle grow potting soil after the plants had sprouted a bit in the small cups and transplant them into the ground. Then I was going to use fish meal extract for continual fertilizing beyond as needed. My stepfather seems to think the sandy soil is fine by itself for peppers, but …
Any comments you have would be appreciated, including if I need to wait a bit longer on the current seeds (it’s been about five days now).
My goal is to grow two plants this season.
Thanks!
Eric
Answer:
Hi Eric,
Don’t worry, they will come up if you keep them moist and warm. Sometimes it takes a month and sometimes it takes a week. They are very temperamental but once they get going, they rock!
The best soil is loamy and full of organic amendments. If your soil is too sandy, the nutrients will wash right through it. Make sure that your soil retains moisture to a depth of at least 16″. You can purchase a moisture meter for about $15.00- 20.00.
If you have any more questions, please email me.
Best of luck!
Jamie
Question:
Aloha!
Hi there. I just placed an order for your ghost pepper seeds.
Is there any advice you can give me how cultivate the soil so I can plant them perfectly?
I live in South Florida, and as you know, soils are different everywhere.
Is there a way to test for acidity and stuff I should look for?
I would really appreciate the feedback.
Since I purchased organic seeds, I would love to keep my plants organic.
Please advise?
I thank you in advance for your advise.
Erica
Answer:
Aloha Erika,
Mahalo for your order. The Bhut Jolokia likes a very loamy soil rich in organic amendments. The pH should be around 7.0–slightly alkaline. But don’t worry if your soil is in the 6.5 – 7.5 range. The most important thing is digging a large hole filled with the amended, loamy soil. Since you are in Florida, you will need to keep the temperatures between 80-90 degrees during the day. This will require you to use shade cloth with about a 20% sun reducing cloth. The Bhuts will go into a very stressful condition if they get too hot which will make them drop their flowers which produces the fruit. So it is very important that they do not get too hot. AND, you will have to “deep” water to a depth of at least 16″ every 2 days this summer or when it is hot. Do this on a very slow flow from your hose or put your plants on a drip system.
There is a lot of information on my site concerning this. If you need more assistance, feel free to email me.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Jamie
thehottestpepper.com
Response:
Aloha Jamie.
Thank you so much for the advise. Once I get the seeds I will check into everything.
Question:
Hey Jamie and all,
I just moved to Tanzania, Africa–a little south of the equator. The weather is about 75 min to 90 max, HIGH humidity. (Year-round shorts and T-shirts, 2 rainy seasons.)
I have a couple of questions:
1. I bought some Bhut seeds from ya’ll around 1-1 1/2 years ago (#25 of them). Do you think they’re still good? Or should I start fresh? (I only need a few plants.)
2. Instead of starting slow with germinating in the egg carton, transplanting to larger pots several times, can I just germinate in a gallon pot outside? (since the weather is warmer than the inside A.C.)
I’m really anxious to get started!!! Thanks for your help!
Chris
Answer:
Aloha Chris,
Your seeds should still be fine. Be sure to soak them overnight in water before germinating and you can start them in a one gallon pot. Just keep them warm and moist. The weather sounds perfect!
Good luck!
Jamie
Chris:
Hey Jamie,
It’s been less than a week since I planted and 3 have already sprouted!! Should I give them direct sun now or put them in the shade for a while?
Thanks!
Chris
Jamie:
Hey Chris,
You can put them in a 4 or 6 inch pot and give them sun gradually over a few weeks until they are acclimated to full sun. When they are about 4″ tall, transplant them into the garden.
Good luck!
Jamie
Chris:
Jamie, remember that I planted the seeds in pots outside, so does this “weatherizing” still hold true? (see above)
Thanks, Chris
Jamie:
No, just leave them out if they have been outside all of the time.
Chris:
Howdy Jamie,
I have 10 Bhuts planted outside ranging in size from 6-24 inches, all with monkey wire around them to protect from animals. Across the top of 4 of the 2 footers I have also put 2 layers of screen (to protect from the deluge off the eave when it rains).
Two of the plants are flowering. Should I remove the top screen to let in insects to pollinate them? Should I remove the monkey wire altogether?
Thanks for your help! I’m really excited!!!!
Chris
Jamie:
Aloha Chris,
Even though pepper plants are self germinating, I would remove the screens. What is the temperature like during the day? If it is hotter than 90F (about 32C) then leave the screen on. Best temperatures for fruit production is from 80-90F. The Bhuts do not like to get too hot or they will start dropping their flowers. You can experiment with different plants so you know what works in Tanzania.
Good luck!
Jamie
Question:
Hi There,
I live in Virginia, love hot peppers and am curious about your Bhut Jolokias. How long have you been growing them? I ask because I am wondering if you’ve observed any variation or if you’ve tried to select for size (or any other characteristic). Also, have you tried to (or accidentally) hybridize it with any other variety?
Happy new year!
-Charles
Answer:
Aloha Charles,
I have been growing the Bhuts for 6 seasons. I have not tried to cross them with any other peppers as I was trying to break the world record for heat. Peppers are self pollinating but in some instances will cross. I net my other pepper varieties when they flower to avoid any chance of crossing.
Thanks and best of luck,
Jamie
Question:
Aloha Jamie,
I was reading the last post and was wondering about pruning here in Hawaii. My Hawaiian Chili peppers started out as those little 2″ pots and are now 6″ bushes..
I just cut them way way back a few months ago since they were starting to break branches withtheir eternal supply of peppers… But they are back again after being sticks.. Might I get similar results with the Bhut?
I had to move my kalo since it got big enough to block the sunlight to my cottage. Same patch of dirt as the peppers.
A hui hou,
Greg
Answer:
Hi Greg,
Thanks for your inquiry. I have now tried for 3 years to prune my Bhuts. That’s not a problem. They will come back nicely, however, I have found that the yield is not as good as the first year. So, now at the end of fall, I just pull out my plants, rework the soil with organic amendments and start the process again after the winter solstice when days are getting longer. You may have different results on your side of the island. I would keep a few plants and experiment. Please let me know the results.
Cheers and aloha,
Jamie