Buy Carolina Reaper Chilli Plug Plant

Carolina Reaper Chilli Plug Plant

Still lethal, still legendary: Heat Level: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

World of Chillies Carolina Reaper chillies ripening on the plant

Ripe Carolina Reapers on the plant, deep red and heavily textured.

World of Chillies Carolina Reaper chilli plant in pot

I stand beside a tall Reaper plant, still heavy with late fruit.

World of Chillies Carolina Reaper green chillies before ripening

Unripe pods showing the typical crumpled surface before they turn red.

World of Chillies Carolina Reaper chillies on white background

Two freshly picked chillies on a white background.

World of Chillies Carolina Reaper chillies sliced open to show seeds

Halved pods laid out to dry — a glimpse of the thick flesh and seed pattern.

World of Chillies Carolina Reaper chillies held in hands

A small handful of chillies just picked from the plant.

World of Chillies Carolina Reaper ripe red chillies close-up

Close-up of a ripe Reaper pod on white, showing its contorted surface and fine stem.

A single Chocolate Primo pod on the plant, darkening to a deep mahogany as it ripens.

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Why buy plugs (not plants)?
• A 1-litre plant costs £11–£12.
£20 typically buys five or six plugs.
• If you start in Feb–Mar, those plugs have ~3 months to grow on, and by May they’re often bigger and better rooted than a 1-litre plant that’s been held back to stay saleable.
• You also get more choice, less transit damage, and time to harden plants off properly.

Chilli Profile Key

Coir Blocks

Classic Hots

Recordbreakers

Cooks' Collection

The Carolina Reaper held the title of the world’s hottest chilli for nearly a decade. First officially crowned by Guinness World Records in December 2013, it averaged 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with peak levels hitting a ferocious 2.2 million.

But in October 2023, it was finally dethroned by Pepper X — another brutal creation from Ed Currie — which smashed the record with an average heat of 2.69 million SHU.

Bred by Ed Currie of the Puckerbutt Pepper Company in South Carolina, this chilli is reputedly a cross between a Pakistani Naga and a Red Habanero from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. Its distinctive appearance and fiery reputation make it a must-have for chilli enthusiasts who seek the ultimate heat experience.

Beyond its blistering heat, the Carolina Reaper has a surprisingly pleasant fruity flavour with a hint of sweetness. This combination of intense heat and flavour makes it a versatile ingredient for those daring enough to use it in the kitchen. Its appearance is equally menacing; the pods resemble a Moruga Scorpion but with an added "tail" that gives it an unmistakable reaper-like look.

This chilli's potency means that a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly and with caution. One pod can transform any dish into an inferno, making it a favourite among hot sauce makers and spice aficionados.

The Carolina Reaper is not just a challenge for your taste buds but also a rewarding plant to grow. With the right conditions, these plants can produce an abundance of the fiery pods, making them a thrilling addition to your chilli collection.

Growing this beast requires warmth and plenty of sunlight, and the results are well worth the effort for those brave enough to handle its intense heat. If you're looking for the pinnacle of chilli heat coupled with a surprisingly complex flavour, the Carolina Reaper is a must-have for your greenhouse or garden.

Additional Information

▶ Species: Capsicum chinense

▶ Heat Level: Extreme, averaging 1,569,300 SHU with peaks up to a terrifying 2.2 million SHU

▶ Vigorous Growth: Bushy, robust plants reaching 90–120 cm. Needs warmth and sunshine to thrive

▶ Fruit Appearance: Wrinkled, fiery red pods with a notorious scorpion-like tail

▶ Flavour Profile: Fruity with a sweet edge—but with blistering, immediate heat that dominates quickly

▶ Uses: Perfect for extreme hot sauces, fiery marinades, or drying. Handle with serious caution

▶ Growing Conditions: Prefers greenhouses, conservatories, or sun-drenched windowsills with excellent airflow

▶ Origin: Bred in South Carolina, USA by Ed Currie of the Puckerbutt Pepper Company

▶ How to Grow Chillies: My free 28-page booklet, "How to Grow Chillies," is included with every plant or seed order

Coir Blocks

Classic Hots

Record-breakers

Cooks' Collection

World of Chillies was set up by Sarah Hunt in 2011 to promote chilli growing and the enjoyment of everything hot and spicy.

UK Company No. 07860204.
VAT reg. 223126942

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▶ 1. Easy to Grow: Some chillies are just a joy to grow — compact and happy in a pot (5). Others shoot off in all directions or sulk. (1). I’ve given higher scores to the ones that do well here in the UK.

▶ 2. Ornamental Quality: A few of these are real show-offs, with pods that look like jewels or dramatic foliage . Others are more practical than pretty. This score is just about how good they look.

▶ 3. Heat Level: This isn’t a technical SHU score — it’s just a kitchen-friendly 1 to 5. A 1 means very mild (like a jalapeño), a 5 is properly hot (think Bhut Jolokia). It should help you judge!

▶ 4. Hardiness: How well do they cope with our unpredictable summers? I’ve given higher scores to the tough ones that keep going through cool nights, wind, or patchy weather.

▶ 5. Culinary Use: This one’s about how often I actually use them. Some are perfect for pickling, others for stuffing, sauces or powders. If it’s flavourful and versatile, it scores high.

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