How to Grow Carolina Reapers from Seed to Spicy Harvest!

Learn how to grow Carolina Reapers, the current official world’s hottest pepper, from seed to harvest using simple tips and tricks anyone can follow.
This video walks you through starting Reaper seeds indoors, caring for the seedlings as they grow, planting your peppers out, and maintaining the plants until harvest. By following some simple gardening principles you can harvest lots of Reaper peppers that are sure to put some zing in any dish.
TIME STAMPS
0:09 - Seed Starting
1:55 - Transplanting
2:54 - Hardening Off
3:05 - Planting Out
3:30 - Maintenance
3:42 - Harvest Time
Supplies You’ll Need:
-Spider Farmer SF600: spiderfarmer.ca/products/spid...
-Seedling Tray/Heat Mat Kit: amzn.to/3Sprqze
-Reaper Seeds: order from any reputable site
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-2 Ways I Get FREE Pepper Plants: • How I Get FREE Pepper ...
***Carolina Reapers are extremely potent peppers and should be handled with utmost care. Do not use for pranks or under circumstances where others are unaware of the dangers of these peppers**

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Had some technical difficulties with this vid but it's up for good now. Apologies for any confusion and enjoy! :)

[@ShitpostGeographic]

Do I need to cover them up in the beginning?

[@nateham5811]

How do I stop flowers dropping?

[@SAIIX100]

What editing program do you use?

[@seehafenzwerg2087]

What pot size is best for the chillis? Is 10 litres ok or would you prefer more? 15 litres or 20?

[@TheWritingGardener]

Found this channel for the peppers and now I’m subscribed and here for life

[@troythegardener]

Jesus christ how does this have this few views, the editing is tremendous!

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks so much! :)

[@jessicapool5328]

I actually am the person that doesn’t like that random high pitched screaming and low talking mix. BUT great to follow and a lot of great knowledge of the process

[@user-nx3gj6hh1b]

It's helpful. Plant people care about info on digital foot prints

[@mrbardledew9096]

People are scared of these plants, I have a friend who tried to sell them at a farmers market and very few were willing to try.

[@krizrozz610]

I agree, good stuff subscribed.

[@akow6486]

growing a carolina reaper plant and a ghost pepper plant and im at 12 weeks with both and i can see the first signs of fruiting, im so excited!!!!

[@jeanetteguijarro8083]

I’m excited to grow some myself lol 😂 THIS VIDEO IS GREAT, keeping it REAL with proven results AND FUN

[@cheddaboy6842]

Nice tutorial! Thank you for good quality advices

[@burpostockings]

Ive started every plant Ive ever grown in paper towels. This is the only plant I've encountered that wont germ. I've just decided to just sow them in the potting mix, and I bought a seed mat. Here's hoping to a good harvest.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

The paper towel method definitely works but it’s inefficient. I think you’ll see some success with your new setup! :)

[@davidstevens1025]

I'm not starting from seed, but you told me everything I needed to know and you told me quickly! Thanks dude!!!

[@Crazychicken338]

AWESOME VIDEO!!!

[@triciam4795]

Hi Lucas, GREAT VIDEO! Lethally hot peppers, dancing and a chameleon. Always informative and entertaining, thanks. Won't be planting these peppers, cannot cope with anything so hot - can't wait to get the garden going. Enjoyed the explanation regarding heat mats, the seedlings look so healthy.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks for watching and the kind words Tricia! I don't eat them, just think they look awesome. It's going to be a great growing season!

[@beat_2008]

I got some yesterday to try out, wish me luck!

[@AB-bv8xt]

Great video!!!

[@indraine]

Great video thanks for the Tips! Keep up the good work, Subscribed!

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thank you, welcome to the channel!!

[@davidpreston3624]

Hi Lucas, love the pepper videos. I'm a hot pepper fan, so I'm all in on any hot pepper content I can find. Love your music choices too. Best wishes growing your channel :)

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Hi David, thanks for the kind words! More hot pepper content to come hopefully

[@savagetackle66]

My fair brother, instant subscribe! You could revolutionize the “growing” sector! Pun intended. Heading out to plant the little fellas now!

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks! What do you think sets my content apart from others?

[@DRNTLive]

This guy is soo underrated

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks!

[@webstertarrell9760]

a regular cheap LED light will do for growing. no expensive "growlights" needed until flower buds are showing. and at this time you'll put them outside anyway.

[@revodavid]

great video buddy

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Much appreciated, David. Tell your friends!

[@goodleftovers1268]

Ay it's good leftovers it was nice to see you

[@sharbrown3279]

Awesome!

[@Zamibia]

The editing is probably a bit...youthful for me, but i recognize not everything will cater to me. Solid tips anyway, big thanks!

[@fafinnn]

Editing is soooo good

[@gleisonrodrigo8871]

Perfect. Tks!

[@samuelandrewclark2979]

Brilliant video. Nice work

[@sarah_farm]

Kudos to you for crafting videos that not only entertain but also leave a lasting impression, my friend. Your unique perspective is a true gift. And it's an honor to have you visit our channel, we can discuss more about our experiences in harvesting and building farms.

[@erickyle5604]

They look so innocent when they're young.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Sure, but I never forget their true nature.

[@axomiabuwari]

Very nice

[@OkiDingo]

Mine started to germinate after 9 days....stoked!

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Congrats!!! Here's to a 2024 full of Reaper pods!

[@erikaeschneider]

Amazing editing!!! Great comprehensive video

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks Erika! 😀

[@rubycastillano7274]

good thanks

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

You’re welcome Ruby! What kinds of peppers are you growing this season?

[@trevor246]

beautiful thumbnail!! your channel logo is clean too!

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks buddy!

[@swart158]

Very nice video. I planted some seeds today and I was wondering if it's a must to plant it out or can a big pot be used?

[@alexanderforrester6508]

Sometimes you find a gem! Shame on you algorithm for making this so hard to find.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks Alexander, the algorithm remains a mystery to me!

[@TheLegend-tq9mn]

Thank you

[@DanielGarcia-gn4fx]

thanks a lot for teaching me how to burn my mouth off.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

You are most welcome.

[@dominiquerochon8443]

Thank you for this!! I bought a tall one from Home Depot and the leaves started turning yellow so I put more miracle grow shake and feed in it. It seemed to get better, but now they're turning yellow again and the pepper that was growing on it fell and shrivelled up 😞😞 so I'll get some water soluble fertilizer and crush up my eggs shells for it. Hoping it works, thanks again. 😄

[@linuxes9681]

I'm having the same issue with one I got from home Depot lol. Think my leaves are mostly fine but I had probably 20 flowers at one point but they all ended up falling off. It's also been 100f+ here lately so it might be just been thay

[@zwtsch]

i'm gonna experimenting it with hydroponic method

[@rubinarahim5971]

Realy found a great v log for the best vegetables, u taught us alot how to grow n fertile plants.but u didnt mention any link online where we can perchase these seeds. Plz we will b v thankful to you if u let us know the sellers who sell the best seeds on line. Keep it up as we realy need a good teacher with honesty.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thank you! I got these seeds from Baker Creek!

[@ViralShortsForYou111]

Do we need to use artificial light or would summer heat work as right now it’s about perfect temperature for them? Also could we use the weak seedings in another pot?

[@chuckpatch1230]

can you elaberate on your fertilizer mix please?

[@alisamills]

Just planted one of my own death bell peppers. Do you have to use the plant food or is it not needed

[@mrthekingofal]

Hi, awesome video! Does it work without a lamp and heathing mat? I have a small conservatory at my disposal but that won't give it permanent light...

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

If you’re not getting solid direct light, you’ll need artificial lighting. Heat mat is not critical but it does enhance germination!

[@seehafenzwerg2087]

What pot size is best for the chillis? Is 10 litres ok or would you prefer more? 15 litres or 20?

[@drippygxd2652]

Hi. I was wondering if you pruned the Carolina reaper peppers. Good video!

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks! No pruning.

[@sebastiana3244]

Great video man, where did you found those Seed trays?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks! www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/garden/planting/propagation/seed-starting/45511-deep-root-seed-starters

[@justabarrelbomb4472]

Top notch editing here man, great video. I have a question, if the area where I live has cold winters (30F nights sometimes), what should I do? Do I transplant them into a big pot so I can bring them inside at night? Or are they going to be fine?. Also I'm new to these kind of plants, does the grow light have to be some special kind of light or will regular LED lightbulbs work?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

I just grow them during the spring/summer.

[@IMMERSIVEVOICE]

Editing god

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Really? Don't know if I'd go that far but thanks!!!

[@CigarShark]

Great video. Where can I find the tray where you stick the permanent marker from the bottom, looks super convenient.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

I got them from lee valley years ago, but you can get similar ones from Amazon or your local garden center

[@InkyArtworks-ct2in]

Dude when you mentioned pepper spray reminded me of a time when my friend put Carolina pepper dust in his eye for 50$ , don't worry he did not go blind.😅

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Not worth $50 I can guarantee that!

[@j.as.r9645]

It doesn't sting as exaggerated as you think.....greetings from Mexico, the x pepper is the one that really stings...

[@nicolasderra3888]

Amazing video, quick question: I live in Buenos Aires and the temperatures here vary a lot, from 32F to 100F sometimes. Being that these are tropical plants, what should I do every winter? Should I keep them inside or what? I feel that if I dare to leave them out for a couple cold humid winter nights they will be pretty much dead. Thanks

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Thanks Nicolas! Cold night temps will kill/damage Reapers, so I would bring them indoors. You could also just start them from seed every growing season.

[@nicolasderra3888]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt Got it, thanks man.

[@Maggdusa]

Can you tell me about TRIcotyledon carolina reaper seedlings? There is very little info out there about this. I have a few of these right now. Thanks in advance. Also, please advise why my seedlings are turning yellow (just sprouted, no true leaves yet). I wonder if my grow light has burned them?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Great question. I have noticed this to happen with the odd Carolina Reaper. Just a deformity I guess. Whether or not it will affect your results, I don't know. Personally I prefer to use the standard, non-deformed ones. Wish I had a better answer for you. Yellow seedlings are typically caused by a lack of light or nutrients. Can you give me some details on your lighting setup?

[@Crystalon195]

how much and how often should i be watering them?

[@twitch_not_olli5599]

Great video, how long do you have the heating and lighting on for?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

The heat mat is just for germination. Remove it after most of your seeds have sprouted. Lights on 12-14hr/day.

[@twitch_not_olli5599]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt thanks, gonna try it with a heat mat next season. Didn’t have one, but still 4/10 seeds germinated. Thanks a lot for your help

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

@@twitch_not_olli5599 Sounds great, best of luck with the four Reapers!!!

[@aidange8863]

So I have a question for you: how far away should you put your grow lights from the seedlings? I have 2 1.25x1.25ft arrays that output a lot of power, and I’m afraid of burning them. And how often do you water them?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

For fluorescents I put them about an inch or two above the tops of the plants. For LEDs around 6" above.

[@GreenPoisonMusic]

If the leaves start curling, lights are too close. And if the seedling grows tall and leggy they are too far. Water them when the entire soil is almost dry (not just on the surface)

[@arturogonzalez-xh5gk]

Hi I was wondering if you could answer a question for me. I have one surviving small reaper plant out of seven that I started from seedling I live in San Diego on the temperature currently is about low 60s to mid '70s sometimes during the day and a night would assume it's somewhere around low 50s. Is my plant safe to be outside 24/7?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Low 50s is probably pushing it. I’d wait till it gets warmer more consistently!

[@khoirulrully1848]

Flower carolina reaper often fall of, what the Remedy?thank you

[@brycesandberg2281]

Did you ever have a mold problem when growing your reapers and if you did what was your solution?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Never had that issue! What stage of growth are you referring to?

[@georgeolmos9676]

I got the 6" away distance- but about the duration- with the LED light how long do you leave them on in aday (24hr peroid)...12hrs, 10hrs- ?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

12 hours

[@presidentmilk6489]

Hello, I was wondering if it’s possible to grow them from store bought peppers and if the grow light is optional.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Yes, if you can find store bought Reapers. You can plant the seeds fresh or dry them out first. Grow lights are necessary unless you happen to be lucky enough to have a strong natural source of light.

[@CS2_GHOST]

What's the best water soluble fertilizer ? What do you use or recommend?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Not sure what the best is. But I use Miracle Gro 15-30-15 typically and just follow the directions.

[@maddielynn6501]

Can you give tips on how to take care of them when they are fully grown

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

They are pretty low maintenance. Just a boost of fertilizer here and there, and consistent watering!

[@bmanderp4654]

Do you need a grow light for seedling reapers if you live in a hot environment?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

No. If you have intense natural light during the day grow lights are unnecessary.

[@andreassteinleher3351]

👍🏼💪🏼

[@khoirulrully1848]

How much gram NPK and how kuch liter water...?please the information thanks

[@rahiarman123]

hey brother i want to know from you can we save carolina reepers seeds after it got mature for next season growing....i searched in google that its a Hybrid variety....so i am thinking whether it will keep its true variety or it might change to F1 generation

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

I have been saving my Reaper seeds for years and the plants look the same (classic Reaper shape) as the first year when I grew them from purchased seeds.

[@bonesnaffler1565]

i started my indoor grow of two Reaper plants and one of them is having long green tentacle like rods growing out of the soil around the edge of my pot and not near the main plant in the middle. is that normal? Id attach a picture if i could. It looks healthy, ive just not seen them do that when i watch grow videos online

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

That’s strange.. email a photo of it to [e-mail] and I’ll take a look!

[@Ososgrill]

Can I use seeds from a fresh bought reaper or should I dry them out like yours over winter?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Fresh seeds will work too!

[@user-cw4rp9xg5o]

So , then i will use Habanero pepper seeds with same method. Thanks.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Yeah you definitely can for all hot peppers!

[@omarvaldivia8297]

I have had problems with germination with my peppers, I tried growing them in ziplock bags for germination and its spotty. Any suggestions?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHy1hYWnbNRqbK8

[@khoirulrully1848]

How much water and how much ferstilizer do you use?please explain.. thank you

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Fertilizer once a week as per package directions. Water whenever the soil starts drying out a bit.

[@bryanjames5256]

Thank you kind sir. I just got the Chocolate Reaper variety, and some scoville numbers said it was even hotter than the Carolina red variety. But I guess I'll find out when I have a taste. And yeah, not like that guy. That's suicide..

[@MicJaguar]

Just got some seeds, going to try this here in San Antonio. Question? Shouldn't you wear gloves when handling the peppers? Is the outside hot or just when you eat it? My fear would be getting it on your fingers and rubbing your eyes or say you go to pee and it ends up on your wanker which is a sensitive area. Definitely using gloves and tongues when handling.

[@khoirulrully1848]

I want to know the detail of NPK..?please show me thank you

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5DJZK2bpNqEp5osi=vrg4hfgPdo6vzBAg

[@tarikdreemk5318]

How far apart do you grow from the other plant

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

2 feet is typically fine

[@EncryptedExistence]

Can I do this in winter?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Depends where you live!

[@Lee-py6yt]

Did you just mist the soil once before germination?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Yeah!

[@shivamfruitforest]

Can i get some seed of CAROLINA REAPERS plz 😊

[@dervisturk6163]

bu biberin tohumundan nerde bulabilirim?

[@paulinemitchell9697]

I have 3 plants this season I bought as seedlings, plants are getting larger in size but no blossoms or peppers. Any ideas why? I am in New Mexico and it is very hot here. Please any suggestions?

[@jamesmccloughan1057]

They take a long time to produce fruit, so just be patient and give them the proper fertilization and water they need. In a warm climate, you can just keep growing them.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Sorry for the late response. Yes, they typically take a while to bloom, but giving them what they need (sun, good soil/growing space, high phosphorus fertilizer, etc.). How did things work out?

[@VaultDwellerGal]

Great video! You’re a brave dude touching those reapers without gloves. I would totally forget, and end up rubbing my eyes. Although, making pepper spray from them is definitely on my bucket list.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Believe me I've done that before and it's not fun! Character building, though.

[@trevorvadnais8014]

My reapers are growing super slow and some of them developed a black line across the cotyledon leaves. Not sure why. All my other pepper seedlings are doing very well

[@harunkhan7428]

Most probably aphids!

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

It's hard to know for sure. It could be a nutrient or lighting issue. Poor drainage may also have this effect. Personally I have found reapers can be a little finnicky but they usually start taking off.

[@trevorvadnais8014]

@Grown Best Gardening I think they are healthy, they are growing their true leaves. Just very slowly. Probably because the cotelydons are not photosynthesizing very well. I'm sure once the true leaves get bigger it'll take off much faster.

[@freedom_lover1776]

Can they grow at 75 degrees fahrenheit?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Yeah but for better germination I recommend 80-85F

[@beat_2008]

I am gonna start a gardening channel soon on another account cz rn im just doing 80s remixes but will be doing soon

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Love 80s!!!

[@randycougarFPV]

Did you top these? If so when?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

No topping here! :)

[@smithscott1700]

What do you do with so many Reapers?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Decoration pretty much :)

[@beat_2008]

i planted my seeds about a week ago and my carolina seeds havent germinated yet. I kept them near a heating vent and the soil gets warm but not piping hot and the soil is properly moist. Is there a reason why they take that long? (My seeds are new btw)

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Reapers can be finnicky. Give 'em another week and see what happens. Sometimes they need two.

[@beat_2008]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt ok sounds good im just getting a lil' impatient cz my tomatoes already germinated and have their true leaf coming out and then these guys havent even started growing yet

[@beat_2008]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt I got them to germinate after I got home from school I saw something poking out of the roots

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

@@beat_2008 Nice, congratulations!!!

[@beat_2008]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt thank you! cant wait to grow and make hot sauce with them

[@addictsforblood9891]

how many peppers do you get from one plant in a season?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Around 30-40 depends how well the plant does

[@tiffany7023]

Growing any sweet cucumber varieties this summer?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Maybe 🤔

[@tiffany7023]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt If so consider doing an in the kitchen video, making kool-aid pickles!! Yes, I'm from the South.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

@@tiffany7023 Green kool-aid???

[@tiffany7023]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt Any flavor!! Cherry, blue raspberry, pink lemonade, sour apple, limeade, the possibilities are endless. 😋 If you're looking for a flavor that's more available in the U.S. consider a temporary PO box and I'll send some fun flavors.

[@markoliver-ww9ld]

When can you harvest the reaper seeds.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Once the pods are ripe. You don’t have to let them dry out and fresh seeds will germinate just fine!

[@markoliver-ww9ld]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt Ty- for the reply, I asked because other peppers I have go green to red than harvest, do Reapers start green than turn red? I have 5 growing.

[@rdnmanongsong9533]

my carolina flower does not continue and all of its flowers are always dried up... why is that?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Could be a number of factors- temperature, nutrients, water, light, etc. Can you provide some more detail of your grow setup?

[@crsmade]

Dude … I’ve eaten one and let’s just say I’m never doing that again… I’m starting to grow some.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

These things are pretty wicked!

[@crsmade]

@@lucasgrowsbestyt mmmhhh yup they are not messing around …. At all!

[@aimbot165]

waaaaaaaa

[@confugedbaji2579]

which country do u reside in?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Canada!

[@KareemboMcFlo]

I’m planning to do this but Jesus Christ I’m scared

[@kendalbevil6591]

NO FRUIT! My reaper is 4 feet tall. Beautiful. BUT NOT ONE PEPPER, OR FLOWER? What's wrong?

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

My apologies for the delayed response. Two potential issues: light and fertilizer. How much sun was your planting receiving, and what were you feeding it?

[@deanriley5690]

Too much nitrogen in the soil. They concentrate on green growth.

[@Steve197201]

A word to the wise. If you've recently handled these peppers, and you have to take a piss, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly first. Better yet, wear gloves!

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

100% 😉

[@tonycekys1666]

But I do eat them like that

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

All the power to ya!

[@RenderMan1337]

I'm having a hard time understanding why my seedlings are freakishly tall lol

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Poor lighting?

[@RenderMan1337]

I got a similar light as yours. I'll try lowering it a bit. They look great, just really tall. Lots of true leaves popping too

[@QrazedGaming]

too bad i live in northern ireland i'd need a greenhouse for these, they wouldn't survive in my garden

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Get a greenhouse!