Do you want to find out how to grow Habanero peppers? Take a look at this article.
Are you a gardener and an avid heat fan? Well, since we’ve already reviewed how to grow a serrano, let’s take it up a notch with the habanero pepper. Honestly, this is a seriously hot pepper; moreover, it is positioned between 100,000 and 350,000 Scoville heat units. So, hot, hot, hot! If you can handle the heat, it’s very interesting to have on hand, and this is exactly why you should stay here and learn how to grow habanero peppers.
Meet the Hero of the Day
Habanero is originally a South American pepper, but due to its variety and resistance, it can be grown in other Central American countries, as well as in the southwestern part of the United States. Are you in the mood for a fun fact? We are glad to hear that! Namely, did you know that a Mexican archeological dig discovered a domesticated habanero that was over an incredible 8,500 years old? You can get it in different varieties and colors, which vary from red and orange to dark brown, and there are varieties that are literally almost black. When choosing the plant you want to plant, we suggest that the color of the fruit should not be your only criterion, because the red and black varieties are much hotter than the normal ones, what’s more, they tend to exceed the Scoville scale above 400,000 SHU. They can literally burn your tongue. For comparison, habanero is 76 times hotter than an average jalapeño and three to ten times milder than ghost pepper. This is precisely why we recommend that you always wear gloves when handling this wonderful type of pepper to avoid possible skin damage due to the burning sensation. Now that you’ve met our hero, let’s find out how to grow habanero peppers.
How to Grow Habanero Peppers
Let us tell you right away, if you have any sense for growing vegetables, you can grow this member of the ‘Chinese’ family of Hot Chilis with relative ease. You don’t have a big enough garden, so now you are thinking about growing habaneros indoors? Don’t worry, this plant can be grown in a regular garden or if you are limited by space, even in containers.
Where & When to Grow
As for growing outdoors, experts suggest starting at least six weeks after the last frost. You will be able to harvest the best fruits if you grow it at a temperature of 65 degrees and above, with ideal temperatures closer to 80 degrees. It is good to always keep in mind that if you live in areas with much cooler summers, there are many better-growing options than habaneros, they just won’t be happy there. If you decide to try your luck, be sure to plant the seedlings in a place where sunlight will be reflected by a wall or fence.
Choose a Good & Quality Soil
If you are wondering how to grow Habanero peppers, here is the simplest possible answer: use two different types of soil, depending on the plant’s growth phase. In the beginning, when you plant the seeds, it is best to use the fertilizer-free ‘seed starting mix’, because it has the perfect combination of sphagnum peat moss, coco coir, vermiculite, and perlite to give your peppers a strong start. Once the plant is established, feel free to switch to any soil with a loamy/sandy texture and composition and apply additional fertilizer periodically during the growing season.
Don’t Be Stingy or Too Generous With Watering
As in everything else, it is necessary to find a balance when watering. The best advice we can give you is to avoid extremes, it is enough to water your beauty twice a week. Once the plant is established, feel free to reduce the frequency.
To Wrap Up
It isn’t a science to grow healthy peppers; all it takes is a sunny place, good, quality soil, a little bit of fertilization, and regular watering. Follow these tips on how to grow Habanero peppers and enjoy the hottest and spiciest crop you’ve ever had in your life. Have questions? Don’t hesitate to tell us more in the comment section below.
Want to Try a Habanero-Based Hot Sauce?
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Author’s bio
Tony Manhart is the founder and editor in chief at Indoor Gardening Tips. Tony’s enthusiasm and rich experience in all things related to growing plants have led him to share his knowledge with gardening aficionados all over the world. When he is not working around his garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on various subjects related to plant cultivation and soil maintenance.