Hot Peppers

Hot Pepper Varieties – Hot Pepper Seeds

In this category you will find seeds and young plants of the hottest chilli peppers in the world. From the world’s hottest pepper according to Guinness World Records – the Carolina reaper – to the world’s best-known peppers, such as cayenne, jalapeño and Tabasco. You can grow your own peppers in the garden, on the balcony or in the field. Peppers are among the easiest plants to germinate , as all they need is soil, warmth and water. Sow your own seeds and within 3 months you can have your own fiery red super-hot peppers!

Many chilli lovers are not satisfied with the hot products widely available on the market. In our shop you will find rarer pepper seeds and hot products that will set even the most seasoned chilli fan on fire!

How is a pepper’s heat measured?

The heat of chilli peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units. Jalapeños come in at around 5,000 Scoville units, low on the heat scale, while the Indian Bhut Jolokia reaches over 1,000,000 Scoville units!

Which genus do hot peppers belong to, and what colours do they come in?

Hot peppers belong to the genus Capsicum (C. annuum and C. chinense). They are usually red, but you will often find peppers in other colours too, such as yellow, brown, white and orange. In the habanero category in particular, you will see the full range of colours these peppers come in.

What other hot products are available?

In this category, as well as in our hot products category, you will find – alongside pepper seeds – hot products such as ready-ground chilli from the hottest peppers in the world, hot sauces and spicy snacks such as hot chocolate bars and peanuts!

How are hot peppers eaten?

You can eat hot peppers fresh from the plant, in salads, or dry them to use later.

Hot pepper properties

Chilli peppers and wellbeing

Capsaicin, the compound that gives chillies their heat, has been widely studied for its possible benefits. Many people – including researchers – believe it may support wellbeing in a number of ways, although more research is needed.

Chilli and metabolism

Hot peppers contain antioxidants, and capsaicin is known to raise body temperature slightly after eating. Some studies suggest that people who included chilli in their breakfast burned somewhat more calories than those who did not – a nice bonus alongside the flavour!

Chilli and capsaicin

Capsaicin, the compound that gives chillies their heat, is widely studied by researchers.

Capsaicin research

Hot peppers get their heat from capsaicin, a compound widely studied by researchers.

Our top products in the hot pepper category

Carolina Reaper
Bhut jolokia
Trinidad Scorpion
Habanero
Jalapeno
Cayenne

As well as seeds, try our hot peppers in all their forms, such as:

Chilli powder
Hot sauces
Spicy snacks

Seeds of the hottest peppers in the world! Ground chilli powder and hot pepper seeds: cayenne, Bhut Jolokia, Trinidad Scorpion, Carolina Reaper, jalapeño, Tabasco, habanero and more. Seeds from the hottest pepper varieties in the world, plus chilli powder and dried peppers, used in the kitchen to add heat to any dish.

How to grow hot peppers

Pepper seeds are best sown from late March to late April, as temperatures start to rise. Hot pepper seeds need 20°C or more to germinate.

Germination can take 7 to 22 days. Sow the seeds 1–1.5 cm deep, about 30–50 cm between plants and 60–100 cm between rows. They need plenty of sun, moisture and regular watering. As a rule, keep the soil moist but do not overwater.

The soil should be rich in organic matter, and an organic fertiliser is recommended throughout the growing season. Seedlings are ready to transplant when they are 10 cm tall with 5–6 leaves; transplanting helps them grow faster. As at sowing time, the soil should be enriched with fertiliser, organic calcium and magnesium.

Peppers need support as they grow, usually provided by strings that the plants are tied to and that hang from a larger frame. The fruit is ready to harvest about 2–3 months after transplanting, when it has reached full size and shows the colour of the variety you have grown. Cut the fruit with part of the stalk attached, as this helps the pepper stay fresh for longer.

As peppers are prone to diseases, it is a good idea to have an organic treatment or soapy water spray to hand.