by Chris R.W.

Created on: February 27, 2010

Habanero peppers are the second hottest pepper rated by the Scoville scale, which measures of the hottest of peppers.  Only one other organic fruit pepper scores higher, the Bhut Jolokia, and the only other two that top that is pure capsaicin, the chemical component in chilli peppers, and pepper spray.  So you can bet that when you grow Habanero peppers, your end product is going to be hot hot hot.  You've been warned!

 As you can expect, habanero peppers grow like any other chilli pepper.  In very warm climates, habanero pepper plants can be pernenial, growing and flowering each year, but in climates that are less sutible, they act as annuals, and have to be replanted each year.  But in the proper conditions, the plant will continue to flower and produce fruit over and over,

With all chilli peppers, hot weather is optimal for supporting the growth of habanero plants.  A lot of sunlight is ideal, and the plants to not need extensive shade unless the climate reaches extreme heats during the day or night.  For the same reason, habanero plants make great indoor container plants.  Within a container, like a pot, keeping it indoors allows you to have greater controler over environmental factors, and gives you a much better chance of keeping your plant alive for multiple growing seasons.

The soil you plant your habanero plant in has effects not only in the growth of your plant, but it also can alter the taste of the resulting peppers.  The pH, or acidity, of the soil, is important, and should be kept slightly acidic, around 5 to 6 if possible.

Your watering habits also have a great effect on the resulting flavor of the peppers.  Overwatering your plant will cause the peppers to lack in flavor and have a bitter taste, which is not what your want.  As habanero plants are very used to, and thrive in very hot environments, they do not need to be watered unless they are dry.  Any watering beyond that is too much and may affect the taste of your peppers.

It's also important to remember that with any chilli peppers, habaneros come in many different flavors, and even shapes and sizes.  There are many varieties of habanero that cater to many different wants and needs, giving you many options, so be selective!

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