Buy Bhut Jolokia Chilli Plug Plant

Bhut Jolokia Chilli Plug Plant

The ghost haunting your tongue: Heat Level: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

World of Chillies Bhut Jolokia chillies ripening on the plant

Two ripening Bhut Jolokia pods on the plant, long and slightly twisted.

World of Chillies Bhut Jolokia chillies on branch in soft light

A small cluster of red pods catching the light through the leaves.

World of Chillies Bhut Jolokia red and green chillies held in hand

One ripened pod beside a green one still colouring up.

World of Chillies Bhut Jolokia with its distinctive shape in hand

A ripening pod taking on its charateristic bhut shape.

World of Chillies Bhut Jolokia chillies growing on the plant

Here’s one of my Bhut Jolokia plants, showing the contrast between ripe and unripe pods.

World of Chillies Bhut Jolokia chilli plant with ripe red fruits

Here’s one of my Bhut Jolokia plants, showing the contrast between ripe and unripe pods.

World of Chillies Bhut Jolokia chillies freshly picked

Two chillies held for scale — thin-walled and strikingly red.

World of Chillies Bhut Jolokia chilli plant in pot

Here’s one of my mature Bhut Jolokia plants, still heavy with late fruit.

A single Chocolate Primo pod on the plant, darkening to a deep mahogany as it ripens.

World of Chillies chilli seedlings in coir plugs

Oaxaca’s secret ingredient for bold, earthy dishes.

World of Chillies 28 page guide to growing chillies and tomatoes

Oaxaca’s secret ingredient for bold, earthy dishes.

World of Chillies super-hot chilli plug seedling with ruler for scale

Oaxaca’s secret ingredient for bold, earthy dishes.

World of Chillies Plant Boost seaweed meal bonus bag with chilli plug order

Oaxaca’s secret ingredient for bold, earthy dishes.

I send an occasional email about growing chillies — tips and features, as well as sales, discounted Chilli of the Week plants, and limited batches.→ Get the Email

Why buy plugs (not plants)?
• A 1-litre plant costs £11–£12.
£20 typically buys five or six plugs.
• If you start in Feb–Mar, those plugs have ~3 months to grow on, and by May they’re often bigger and better rooted than a 1-litre plant that’s been held back to stay saleable.
• You also get more choice, less transit damage, and time to harden plants off properly.

Chilli Profile Key

Coir Blocks

Classic Hots

Recordbreakers

Cooks' Collection

Once crowned the World's Hottest Chilli, Bhut Jolokia, also known as the Ghost Pepper, still holds a revered place among chilli enthusiasts.

Originating from the Assam region of India, this chilli is known not only for its searing heat, which can reach up to 1.4 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), but also for its complex flavour profile. It offers a fruity taste with a strong citrus tang that adds depth to dishes, making it a favourite for those who appreciate both heat and flavour.

The Bhut Jolokia is cherished for its ability to deliver a slow-building heat that intensifies with each bite. Unlike some chillies that provide an immediate punch, the heat of the Bhut Jolokia gradually overwhelms the senses, offering a truly intense experience.

The plant itself is stocky and bushy, producing a generous number of crumpled, wedge-shaped chillies that ripen from lime green to a fiery red. As the pods mature, they not only increase in heat but also develop their distinctive flavour, making them a versatile ingredient in hot sauces, salsas, and spicy dishes.

Cultivating the Bhut Jolokia requires a warm and sunny environment, making it well-suited for greenhouses, conservatories, or a sunny windowsill. Its vigorous growth and high yield make it a rewarding plant for growers who are up for the challenge.

Despite its intense heat, this chilli is beloved for its ability to add a smoky, fruity kick to a wide range of culinary creations. If you're looking for a chilli that delivers both a powerful heat and a burst of flavour, the Bhut Jolokia, Red, is an essential addition to your garden. Find out more about the Bhut Jolokia in Chilli of the Week

Additional Information

▶ Species: Capsicum chinense

▶ Heat Level: Extreme, up to 1.4 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

▶ Vigorous Growth: Grows into a stocky, bushy plant, typically reaching heights of 60–90 cm. Requires a warm, sunny location to thrive

▶ Fruit Appearance: Crumpled, wedge-shaped chillies that ripen from lime green to a vibrant red

▶ Flavour Profile: Fruity with a strong citrus tang, offering a slow-building and intense heat

▶ Uses: Ideal for hot sauces, salsas, marinades, and spicy dishes. Can be used fresh or dried to add intense heat and flavour

▶ Growing Conditions: Prefers warm, sunny environments such as greenhouses, conservatories, or sunny windowsills

▶ Origin: Assam region of India, where it has been a staple in local cuisine for generations

▶ How to Grow Chillies: My free 28-page booklet, "How to Grow Chillies," is included with every plant or seed order

Coir Blocks

Classic Hots

Record-breakers

Cooks' Collection

World of Chillies was set up by Sarah Hunt in 2011 to promote chilli growing and the enjoyment of everything hot and spicy.

UK Company No. 07860204.
VAT reg. 223126942

Chilli Plants
Tomatoes
Chilli Seeds

Delivery Info
About Us

▶ 1. Easy to Grow: Some chillies are just a joy to grow — compact and happy in a pot (5). Others shoot off in all directions or sulk. (1). I’ve given higher scores to the ones that do well here in the UK.

▶ 2. Ornamental Quality: A few of these are real show-offs, with pods that look like jewels or dramatic foliage . Others are more practical than pretty. This score is just about how good they look.

▶ 3. Heat Level: This isn’t a technical SHU score — it’s just a kitchen-friendly 1 to 5. A 1 means very mild (like a jalapeño), a 5 is properly hot (think Bhut Jolokia). It should help you judge!

▶ 4. Hardiness: How well do they cope with our unpredictable summers? I’ve given higher scores to the tough ones that keep going through cool nights, wind, or patchy weather.

▶ 5. Culinary Use: This one’s about how often I actually use them. Some are perfect for pickling, others for stuffing, sauces or powders. If it’s flavourful and versatile, it scores high.

Hover or touch to pause carousel