Bhut Jolokia (Chocolate) Seeds

Unleash the power of the Chocolate Bhut Jolokia, a rare and enticing Indian Capsicum that marries intense heat with a rich, smoky flavour. This chocolate-hued marvel will tantalise your senses, imparting notes of chocolate and nuttiness that elevate it above its fiery relatives. Are you prepared to embark on a culinary journey into the heart of spiciness?

To cultivate the Chocolate Bhut Jolokia in New Zealand, begin by sowing seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Utilise a heat mat and maintain a temperature of 26-29°C to ensure optimal germination. Once your seedlings develop two sets of leaves, transplant them into individual pots and gradually expose them to sunlight. When all risk of frost has passed, transplant your chilli plants outside in a sunny, sheltered location. For optimal growth, maintain a spacing of 60cm between plants.

As a semi-tropical plant, the Chocolate Bhut Jolokia flourishes in the warm, humid climate of New Zealand. To maintain healthy growth, provide well-drained soil, consistent watering, and ample sunlight. Be cautious not to overwater your plants, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser applied every six weeks can promote robust growth and a bountiful harvest.

Expect to harvest your Chocolate Bhut Jolokia peppers approximately 100 days after planting. For the best flavour and heat, harvest the chillies when they have fully ripened to a deep chocolate-brown hue. Exercise caution when handling these potent peppers, as the capsaicin oil can cause skin and eye irritation. We recommend wearing gloves during the harvesting process and thoroughly washing your hands afterward.

The Chocolate Bhut Jolokia boasts an impressive Scoville heat unit rating of 800,000 to 1,000,000, rendering it one of the world's hottest chilli peppers. Brace yourself for a fiery experience that's approximately 50 times hotter than a jalapeno pepper!

Monitor your Chocolate Bhut Jolokia plants for signs of aphids, whiteflies, or fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Employ preventative measures such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or organic fungicides to protect your plants and ensure a successful harvest.

Unleash the Chocolate Bhut Jolokia's fiery potential in an array of culinary creations. Enhance salsas, hot sauces, and marinades with its rich, smoky flavour, or use it as a spicy addition to curries, stir-fries, and grilled dishes. Remember to use sparingly, as this potent pepper packs a powerful punch!