Prized by chile aficionados not only for its intense heat, but its distinct fruitiness, the habanero is used in sensational salsas (see recipe inside), and will turn a bland barbeque into a fiery feast! Habaneros are said to be 100 times hotter than jalapeños (but after the first 100,000 Scoville heat units, who's counting?) 100,000-350,000 Scoville heat units (extremely hot).

Days to Maturity: 100 days from transplanting

Family: Solanaceae

Type: Over 100000 Scoville Units, Chile Pepper (Learn more)

Native: Brazil

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive perennial grown as an annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: 24" tall, 18" wide

Variety Info: 2 ½" long, 1" wide, green turning to orange-red when mature. Habaneros are one of the hottest peppers in the world at 100,000–350,000 Scoville heat units.

Attributes: Frost Sensitive, Good for Containers

When to Sow Outside: For Mild Climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after average last frost, when soil temperature is at least 70°F.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F. Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F, and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mild Climates: May be sown in late summer for fall/winter crop.

Days to Emerge: 10–25 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: Start indoors

Row Spacing: 24"–36"

Thinning: Start indoors, plant seedlings 18" – 24" apart outside

Harvesting: Harvest when peppers start to turn orange-red. When harvesting, take care to avoid touching the interior of any broken peppers, as the capsaicin is an extreme irritant, especially to the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after harvesting or wear gloves to harvest peppers.