Capsicum chinense

Available for purchase from 1 July 2025  

Naga Brain Rust is a uniquely South African superhot chilli, stabilised and refined on Livingseeds Farm after a spontaneous mutation emerged from traditional Naga Brain Chocolate lines. This exceptional strain has held true to its distinctive rusty brick-red hue and pod form for three full seasons and is now being offered to growers for the first time in 2025. Like its Naga and 7 Pot Brain ancestry, it features a deeply wrinkled, brain-like surface and an explosive heat level that easily approaches the one million Scoville range.

This is a chilli for the bold. Naga Brain Rust delivers a powerful heat kick backed by fruity, smoky, and slightly earthy undertones, making it ideal for crafting complex hot sauces or bold fermented chilli pastes. The colour sets it apart, both fresh and dried, giving a visual depth to powders and sauces rarely seen in superhot varieties. Due to its extreme pungency, it is best handled with gloves and used sparingly in recipes.

Start seeds indoors in late winter, about 8–10 weeks before your region’s last expected frost. Use a fine seedling mix and maintain a consistent soil temperature between 28–32 °C for optimal germination. Sow seeds no deeper than 5 mm and maintain humidity until sprouting, which may take up to 21 days.

Once seedlings have hardened off, transplant into rich, well-drained soil in full sun. In regions like Johannesburg, the warm growing season suits this chilli perfectly. Plants typically reach around 1.2 m in height and produce heavily over the season. Expect pods to mature around 110 to 120 days after transplant, developing their signature rust colour as they ripen fully. Harvest with care—this chilli is as hot as it is striking.

Standard packet contains approx. 10 seeds

There is no Petite option.