Description
Purple Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum Chinense) is a very rare pepper. It provides a nice, sweet flavour and a good burn. Your lips will swell, and your tongue may become numb, but you will enjoy it.
The pods start with a dull purple colour, then a glossy white/green, and then turn a deep purple. They mature to a dark red colour with dark blotches.
Heat Factor: Over 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units. 125 times hotter than a standard jalapeno pepper.
Position
Chilli peppers grow best in hot climates, won’t tolerate frost, and enjoy full sun. Aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They require temperatures of 21°C – 32°C during the growing season.
They need space for airflow, so plant them about 45-60cm apart. They can grow to a height of about 1 metre.
While Chilli peppers do well in warm weather, be cautious of extreme heat, which could stress the plants and reduce fruit production.
Chilies can grow in containers as long as they are positioned on a sun-filled windowsill. The size of the pot should be at least 10cm in diameter. When you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, it is time to replant into a larger container.
Size:
Bhut Jolokia can grow to a height of 80 centimetres tall, and can get top-heavy when laden with fruit, provide support with stakes or cages to prevent the plants from breaking. Space them about 75 cm apart from each other.
Soil type:
Moist, well-drained soil is perfect for chillies. Add plenty of compost to your soil.
Mix half a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust and a bag of Superfrass to the planting hole for exceptional growth into your soil.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply, especially during dry spells.
Mulch
Use from 2 to 5 cm of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Re-apply every 3-4 months.
Pruning
Prune the plants by removing any dead or damaged leaves. You can also pinch back the growing tips to encourage branching and more fruit production.
Fertilising
Use a balanced fertiliser (such as 10-10-10) during planting and again every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth with little fruit production.
Apply our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need. Press the fertiliser balls gently under the soil and add a layer of mulch.
Pests & Diseases
Watch for pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Prevent fungal diseases like blight by providing good airflow and avoiding overhead watering. Crop rotation helps avoid soil-borne diseases.
Treat promptly or preferably use preventative measures by spraying with agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control)
EM Control puts you firmly on the green path when using it in your garden. EM is certified organic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Because EM boosts the soil, your garden will flourish without the use of any chemicals. The soil’s vitality equals the vitality of the plants and fruits they produce. EM is a biocontrol measure, controlling pests by releasing microorganisms into the soil. With EM, pests and pathogens are controlled or suppressed by means of natural processes.
Agricultural Neem Oil is a powerful oil that is kind to your garden, fighting against even the most challenging infestations. Our Neem oil is an agricultural grade and is highly effective in controlling roughly 600 different types of insects! Targeted at insects that suck and chew leaves, it doesn’t extend its damage to the rest of the plant or its surrounds. It is Biodegradable, cold pressed and 100% organic.
