Carolina Reaper
Capsicum chinense
Also known asHP22B · Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 9–13 (winter low around -7°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.6 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.8 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, calcium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A specialty crop for hot-sauce makers and chile enthusiasts. Hold EC around 2.0-3.0 mS/cm and pH 5.8-6.5. It demands sustained warmth, 24–32°C, with growth stalling below 18°C, and very high light, 25-35 mol/m2/day. The season is long, well over 110 days from transplant to ripe fruit. Plants are medium, 60–90 cm, and benefit from staking, and Dutch bucket or large containers suit them; hand pollination improves set indoors, and steady calcium prevents blossom end rot. Handle with care: wear nitrile gloves to harvest and process, because the capsaicin oil can burn skin and cause respiratory distress if it reaches your face or you inhale cooking fumes. Each plant gives 20 to 40 fruits, used mostly for hot sauce, flakes and powder, where a little goes a very long way. This is not a crop for casual growers or households with small children.