Carolina Reaper (Orange) Seeds

Get ready to turn up the heat in your garden and your kitchen with the incredible Orange Carolina Reaper! This fruity, fiery chilli pepper has a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 1.8 million to 2.2 million, making it one of the world's hottest peppers. Originating from South Carolina in the United States, this unique variety offers a delightful combination of sweetness and spice, perfect for adventurous gardeners and food enthusiasts in New Zealand.

Growing your own Orange Carolina Reaper plants is an exciting journey. Start by sowing seeds indoors during early spring (late August to early September). Keep the soil moist and warm, maintaining a temperature of around 24-28°C. Once the seedlings develop true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden, ensuring each plant has a minimum of 50cm space on all sides.

Orange Carolina Reaper plants thrive in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. In New Zealand, the best time for transplanting your seedlings outdoors is from November to December. Consistent watering is essential, but take care not to over-water, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. Keep your plants healthy and happy by providing support, like stakes or cages, and applying a balanced fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Patience is key when it comes to harvesting your Orange Carolina Reapers. Expect to wait approximately 100+ days from transplanting until your peppers are ready to pick. Harvest your peppers when they're bright orange and fully mature, with a firm texture and wrinkled skin. Carefully snip the peppers from the plant with a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.

Although slightly milder than the original Carolina Reaper, the Orange Carolina Reaper boasts an impressive heat level of 1.8 million to 2.2 million SHUs. Its distinctive fruity and sweet taste adds complexity and depth to the fiery kick it delivers.

Be vigilant for common pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Keep the area around your plants clean, and treat affected leaves with a neem oil spray. Regularly check for diseases, including root rot and fungal infections, and take appropriate action to maintain the health of your plants.

Unleash your creativity in the kitchen with the Orange Carolina Reaper. Spice up salsas, hot sauces, marinades, and even desserts. Remember, a little goes a long way – use the peppers sparingly to avoid overwhelming your taste buds.