Chocolate Bhutlah
Capsicum chinense — 2,000,000+ SHU
The Chocolate Bhutlah is a cross between the Chocolate Habanero and the 7 Pot Douglah, bred for extreme capsaicin content. Regularly tested at over 2,000,000 SHU — competing with or exceeding the Carolina Reaper — it is one of the most consistently extreme peppers in existence. Deep chocolate-brown fruits with a short, stubby shape and bumpy skin.
🔥 Heat Scale
🌱 How to Grow Chocolate Bhutlah
8+ hours daily. Greenhouse mandatory for meaningful yields in temperate climates.
25–35°C ideal. Very slow in cool conditions — prioritise warmth above everything else.
Consistent moisture. Allow top layer to dry between waterings. Never waterlog.
20–25L minimum. Large, vigorous plant — bigger containers produce more fruit.
Weekly high-potassium feed from first flower. Don't skip feeding during the long fruiting period.
Essential — year-two plants fruit months earlier. Almost impossible to get a full harvest in year one in the UK without a greenhouse.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Extreme capsaicin breeding correlates with difficult germination
Fix: Heat mat at 32–35°C, sow January, allow 6+ weeks
Cause: Long season variety in short season climate
Fix: Greenhouse mandatory, start early, overwinter
Cause: Hot dry greenhouse conditions
Fix: Humidity, neem oil, predatory mites
Cause: Over 2,000,000 SHU — skin contact causes intense burning
Fix: Double gloves, eye protection, never touch face. Work in ventilated area.
❓ Common Questions
How hot is the Chocolate Bhutlah?
Regularly tested at 2,000,000+ SHU — making it one of the hottest peppers ever measured, comparable to or exceeding the Carolina Reaper in many tests. Treat it with extreme respect.
What is Bhutlah a cross of?
A hybrid of the Chocolate Habanero (bhut = Bhut Jolokia/Ghost Pepper) and the 7 Pot Douglah. Selectively bred for maximum capsaicin content from both parent varieties.
Is Chocolate Bhutlah hotter than Carolina Reaper?
In some tests, yes. Individual fruits have tested over 2,000,000 SHU. The Carolina Reaper's average is lower, though its upper range overlaps. Both are at the absolute limit of known pepper heat.
Can I safely cook with Bhutlah?
In tiny quantities, yes — it makes extreme hot sauces and powder. Always wear double gloves, work in a ventilated area, and use amounts measured in milligrams, not grams. One fruit per litre of sauce is plenty.
