Hot Pepper, California Reaper

Ok if you love some REAL heat, then you've come to the right place.  A bit of history: The California Reaper was originally developed by horticulturist Steve Bender, who crossed the Carolina Reaper and Jay's Peach Ghost Scorpion (which we grew last year).  

The pepper starts off light green and ripens to peach, with most pods resembling a peach colored Carolina Reaper. Similar to that of the Carolina Reaper, the taste of the California Reaper is described as fruity and sweet.  Expect the Scoville rating to be around 1,569,300.  

Yes, she's a hot one!!  We love the reaper in hot sauces, salsa and seasoning.  Let's cover some hot color combos we love with this hot mama:

California Reaper + Purple Basil 
California Reaper + Joy's Midnight Chard 
California Reaper + Gold Medal Tomato 

Plants grow about 3' tall and will require full sun and thrive in well-draining, fertile soil.  Mulching at the base of your plants will ensure good soil moisture and retain warmth below the surface all season.  Super Hots may need extra protection before the peak of summer and at the end, depending on how Mother Nature rolls.  

• Days to Maturity: 100 - 110
• Companion Plants: Basil, Calendula, Cilantro, Chives, Parsley, Tomatoes
• Open-Pollinated (OP), Capsicum Chinese 
• Plant Spacing: 12 - 24" 

Photo Credit: Tyler Farms