Capsicum chinense

Available for purchase from 1 July 2025  

The Carolina Reaper Peach is a blazing new twist on the infamous Carolina Reaper, crossed with Jay’s Peach Ghost Scorpion and discovered by growers seeking new levels of heat with an exotic peach-coloured finish. This is the variety also known as the Californian Reaper. These plants produce gnarly, blistered pods with signature stingers, glowing in shades of soft orange and blush peach. It has quickly earned a following for both its arresting beauty and its formidable fire.

Expect the flavour to surprise as much as the heat. These pods combine a fruity, tropical sweetness with a sharp citrus bite before the intense burn begins. Scoville ratings vary widely, ranging from 1 million to well over 1.5 million SHU, with some outliers reportedly exceeding 2 million. Whether dried, fermented into sauce, or used fresh, it offers a complex heat experience that is as rewarding as it is punishing.

Start seeds indoors at least eight to ten weeks before your last frost. Sow seeds 5mm deep in a sterile seedling mix and provide steady warmth between 27 and 30°C using a Germination Heating Pad or propagation setup. Light is essential once sprouted, so strong indoor lighting or a bright north-facing window will help prevent spindly growth.

Transplant seedlings outdoors only once all risk of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain above 15°C. These plants prefer full sun, nutrient-rich composted soil, and regular watering. Plants grow to about 1m tall and require sturdy support as they begin producing their heavy, gnarled fruit. Maturity is reached in around 110 to 120 days, with pods ripening from green to a soft peach colour, sometimes passing through purple hues before full ripeness.

While the Carolina Reaper Peach is still stabilising, its colour variation and extreme heat make it a standout in any hot pepper garden. Growers and chilli lovers alike will appreciate its fierce burn, vibrant look, and collector’s appeal.

Standard packet contains approx. 10 seeds.