Hot Pepper Seeds,
Jay's Peach Bhut Jolokia

Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date, as these peppers need a very long, warm season to fully mature. Transplant outdoors only once temperatures don’t drop below 65 F and all risk of frost has passed. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. For proper germination, maintain soil temperatures between 80-85 F. Ghost peppers are slow to germinate, it takes about 21-28 days. A heat mat can be particularly helpful for keeping soil warm. When transplanting, space the plants 14-18 inches apart.

Water deeply and regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist, and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Fertilize at transplanting, switching to a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer once plants begin to flower to support fruiting. As the plants grow, use stakes or cages to support branches that may become heavy with peppers.

• Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
• To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
• To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
• It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
• Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
• Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.