Top 5 Super-Hot Chilli Varieties – Björn’s Picks

January and February are the perfect time to sow chilli, especially the super-hot chilli varieties from Capsicum chinense. These varieties, known for their extreme Scoville levels, need a longer growing season than other chilli varieties. By sowing early you give your plants the time they need to develop to their full potential – so why not start today?

Sowing tips for growing super-hot chilli varieties 🌱

Super-hot varieties are not only challenging to grow, but also incredibly rewarding for chilli lovers. Here are some practical sowing tips:

  1. Start early: Sow the seeds as early as January or February to maximise their growing time.
  2. Use a heat mat: Super-hot varieties such as Carolina Reaper and Trinidad Moruga Scorpion love warmth. Keep the compost at around 25–30°C to encourage quick, even germination.
  3. Invest in grow lights: During the darker winter months extra light is essential for the plants to grow strong and healthy.
  4. Choose the right compost and pots: A light, well-drained compost is ideal for growing chilli. Use small pots for the first stage and pot on into larger ones as the plants grow.

Why grow super-hot chilli varieties?

Growing chilli, especially super-hot varieties, is an exciting challenge that results in a fantastic harvest. These varieties are known not only for their heat but also for their unique flavours that suit hot sauces, spice blends and other culinary adventures perfectly.

Start growing chilli today

Whether you are an experienced chilli grower or a beginner, it is time to sow chilli now. Super-hot varieties from Capsicum chinense reward your time and care with impressive harvests. So sow your seeds early and get started on the year’s spiciest growing adventure today!

Below you will find my top 5 super-hot chilli varieties.

1

🥇 1. Bhut Jolokia Red

  • Heat: 1,000,000–1,500,000 SHU
  • Flavour: Deep and fruity heat with a slightly smoky note.
  • Growing value: A classic that is relatively easy to grow despite its strength.
  • Fun fact: The Indian police use this chilli in tear gas – that’s how hot it is!

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2

🥈 2. Bhut Orange Copenhagen

  • Heat: 800,000–1,200,000 SHU
  • Flavour: Sweeter than many other Bhut relatives, with a fresh orange note.
  • Growing value: Developed in Denmark for stability and a reliable harvest.

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3

🥉 3. Chocolate Bhutlah DM

  • Heat: 1,800,000+ SHU (one of the strongest!)
  • Flavour: Dark, earthy and complex – perfect for sauces.
  • Growing value: A favourite for those who want to grow the extreme.
  • Fun fact: The name “Bhutlah” is a mix of Bhut Jolokia and 7 Pot Douglah.

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4

🏅 4. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Yellow

  • Heat: 1,200,000–2,000,000 SHU
  • Flavour: Sweet and citrusy, with an explosive heat.
  • Growing value: A robust variety that is as beautiful as it is strong.

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5

🏅 5. Trinidad Yellow Scorpion Cardi

  • Heat: 800,000–1,200,000 SHU
  • Flavour: Milder than Moruga, with tropical notes and a rounded heat.
  • Growing value: Perfect for both beginners and pros.

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🌟 Runners-up 🌟

🔥 Jigsaw

  • Heat: 1,500,000+ SHU
  • Flavour: Intense with fruity touches – a real flavour bomb.
  • Fun fact: Known for its beautifully variegated leaves and monstrous heat.

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🌟 Runners-up 🌟

🔥 7 Pot Brainstrain Yellow

  • Heat: 1,000,000–1,400,000 SHU
  • Flavour: Fruity and almost floral, with a lingering heat.
  • Fun fact: The name “Brainstrain” comes from its wrinkled, brain-like appearance.

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