Bhut Jolokia Pepper Plants

• Bhut jolokia was used in studies of tear gas. Southern Stock/Photodisc/Getty Images

  The Bhut Jolokia is variously known as Naga Jolokia and ghost pepper. It is called ghost pepper because the heat level of the vegetable is high enough to make you feel like you should die. It is a native of India and is often used in sauces, relishes or eaten raw. The Guiness Book of World Records has awarded the Bhut Jolokia their designation as the hottest pepper in the world. On the measurement of a pepper's spiciness, the Scoville units, the ghost pepper registers a million units. The average jalapeno measures between 2,500 and 8,000 units.

Native Region

• Chile peppers contain capsicum, the levels of which increase, depending on the species and area where the pepper is grown. Capsicum is thought to be a biological deterrent against predators, both insectile and animal. Bhut Jolokia is grown in the northeastern region of India, where denizens have long claimed to have the hottest peppers. It is found near Bangladesh and in the Assam region of India. The peppers are common condiments and are eaten at most meals.

Bhut Jolokia Plants

• The plants that were used to test the Scoville level were grown in a laboratory using seed that was brought from India. The plants took years to produce seed. Home growers can purchase seed and start their own Bhut Jolokia plants using a pot of regular potting soil. The temperature needs to be about 70 degrees F for germination. After germination, the seedlings need partial sun until they have true leaves. The plants need lots of food, at the very least, daily doses of fish fertilizer emulsions.

Yields and Uses

• Even a small plant can yield about 30 of the small, chubby red fruits. Getting them to ripen in short growing seasons may be tricky but indoor growing should finish them off. Their traditional use is in sauces and there are numerous hot sauce recipes. They can be dried and seeded, smoked or roasted. The flavor is so intense that a tiny portion of the fruit is enough to flavor an entire dish unless you like to feel pain. If adventure is your goal, an entire pepper can cause a person to take hours to recover from the effects. Any time you handle the peppers, gloves should be used and the room should be well ventilated.