The Kraken
Dark and Dangerous Depths

The Kraken Chilli Plug Plant

The Kraken Chilli Plug Plant

Unleash the beastly burn:Heat Level: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Release the Kraken! The Kraken Chilli is a true force of nature, boasting a mighty lineage that includes the notorious Bhut Jolokia and a chocolate Scorpion. I grew this remarkable chilli for the first time in 2020 and was immediately captivated by its intensity and beauty.

The Kraken stands tall among the hottest chillies in the world, delivering an extreme level of heat that is sure to challenge even the most seasoned chilli enthusiasts.

Beyond its fiery punch, the Kraken offers a rich, deep smoky flavour that is characteristic of chocolate pods. Its flavour profile is complex, combining a smoky depth with a hint of sweetness, making it an excellent choice for sauces, marinades, and spicy dishes that require a bold chilli presence.

The plant itself is a showstopper—fat, crumpled pods of deep chocolate brown hang from the plant in abundance, creating a stunning visual display in any garden or greenhouse.

The Kraken Chilli is not only prized for its heat and flavour but also for its ornamental value. Unfortunately, due to the rarity of its seeds, I have a limited number of plants available this season.

If you're looking for a chilli that brings both beauty and beastly heat to your garden, don't miss out on the Kraken—order quickly to avoid disappointment!

You can read more about The Kraken and other super hots in Garden Inferno.

Additional Information

Species: Capsicum chinense

Heat Level: Extremely hot, estimated between 800,000 and 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

Vigorous Growth: Grows into a tall, bushy, and robust plant—reaching 90–120 cm with impressive productivity. Known for pumping out clusters of thick, crumpled pods

Fruit Appearance: Deep chocolate-brown pods, fat and heavily wrinkled, around 5–6 cm in length. Ripens from green to a rich, moody cocoa shade

Flavour Profile: Smoky, intense, and darkly rich. Slightly earthy with undertones of cocoa and dried fruit—makes a dramatic impression in sauces

Uses: Fantastic in dark hot sauces, salsas, barbecue glazes, and stews. Pairs beautifully with smoky, grilled, or slow-cooked dishes

Growing Conditions: Loves warmth and sunlight. Best results in a greenhouse or a sunny, sheltered garden spot with well-draining soil

Origin: A rare variety with mysterious roots—its unusual colour and flavour have made it a favourite among collectors and experimental sauce-makers

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

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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