My name is Lloyd Snyder I would love to get more information on the hottest pepper in the world and where I can buy them. I live in PA. Also if I were to buy seeds can I grow them here in Pa.? Thank you.

Answer:

Hey Lloyd,

Thanks for your inquiry. There is a lot of information concerning the Bhut Jolokia on our website. Please check it out. You can certainly grow this pepper in PA but there is a little planning involved. After germinating your seeds, you will need to transplant your “Bhuts” to a 4″ or 6″ pot when about 4″ tall. Keep them inside near a window if the temperatures are not above 65 degrees. Then acclimate them to the outside after all danger of frost has passed. When the temperature gets above 90 during the summer, you will have to buy some shade cloth to keep the temps. between 80 and 90 degrees. This usually required about a 20-30% reducing shade cloth. Keep them deep watered (slowly–drip is the best) every two days when it is that hot. IF they start to drop their flowers, then they are probably too hot. You will need to double up on the shade cloth. Please contact me during this process if you have any questions or problems. Once again, there is a lot of this information on our site.

Aloha,

Jamie

Hope you don’t mind another question or two…I have several peppers that are almost completely red with a touch of orange on the top and also several orange and of course new green ones. When do you pick the peppers? Then, do I put them in the fridge or leave them out? How long are they good for? Can you freeze them for future use? Should I take extra precaution with them in the heat?
Thanks,
Tom

Answer:

Hi Tom,
Pick your peppers when they are completely red but still firm and crunchy. Do not allow your peppers to stay on the plant past this point or they will become soft and limp. Rinse them very briefly in cold water then allow them to dry. Do not soak in water. They do not store well at room temperature, so get them into the fridge ASAP. It is best to vacuum pack them if you can. It is not a good idea to freeze them as they would be soggy when you defrost them. The best thing to do would be to cut them in half and then dry them in the sun, or dehydrate them. If you would like to use the seeds, take the seeds out first as the sun can damage their ability to germinate.
Good luck,
Jamie

Question:
Pehea ‘oe, I live in the Chicagoland area. I am an avid pepper and vegetable grower. The season is short here but I have been successful in my endeavors. Tell me, if it is not a big secret, what is your favorite soil mixes for peppers and veggies. I have tried several with fish emulsion, worm casings, organic mulch etc. I look forward to hearing from you. Good growing. Malama pono, Aloha.

~Bruce Webber

Answer:
Aloha Bruce,

Mahalo for your inquiry. Sounds like you are doing the right things. Peppers like loam with organic compost. I use fish emulsion and kelp as well as my soil from my compost pile. They are heavy feeders so I fertilize every 30 days. I deep water my peppers every 2-3 days here in Hawaii. The depth of water penetration should be at least 12-16 inches. This encourages root growth as they go deep for the water and you will get a stronger, healthier pepper plant. Peppers do not like to be deprived of water, they do not like distress, and it is not OK to allow your pepper plants to wilt.

As far as your other vegetables go, most like the same type of soil with a pH just slightly acid of neutral–so the 6.5-7.0 range. You can purchase an inexpensive testing kit at Home Depot or Lowes or your local nursery.

I hope this helps.

Jamie
The Waimea Bay Chili Pepper Co.