Orange Ghost

Also known as Orange Bhut Jolokia · Orange Ghost Pepper · Bhut Jolokia Orange

The Orange Ghost is a vibrant orange color variant of the Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper), a Capsicum chinense superhot from Northeast India. It delivers the classic intense heat of roughly 855,000–1,041,427 SHU with a more pronounced citrusy, fruity flavor and is noted as one of the most prolific Ghost types.

Flavor & Use

Citrusy and fruity with sweet undertones and classic Naga character; the citrus is more pronounced than in the red Ghost, with heat that builds over several minutes after the first bite.

citrusyfruitysweet

Culinary

Used sparingly in hot sauceschili powdersjamssalsascurriescraft beers

About

Pods of the Orange Ghost measure 5–8 cm long, conical and pendant-shaped, tapering to a point, often with smoother, shinier skin than the red form and resembling elongated habaneros. They ripen from green to a bold orange. Plants grow 60–120 cm tall, thrive in full sun and warm conditions, and require a long season of roughly 110–150 days to maturity. The heat builds gradually after the first bite, making gloves and caution essential. Ideal for hot sauces, powders, and extreme cooking where a little goes a long way.

Backstory

A selected color form of the legendary Bhut Jolokia from Assam and surrounding regions of Northeast India, which was certified by Guinness as the world's hottest pepper from 2007 until overtaken by Trinidad Scorpions and the Carolina Reaper. Orange variants arose in cultivation for their striking color, prolific yields, and enhanced citrus notes while retaining the signature creeping heat.

Appearance

ShapeConical
ColorGreen · Orange
Size5–8 cm
WallThin
SkinSmooth

Growing

SunFull
WaterModerate
ClimateTropical
Days to maturity120 days
Plant height60–120 cm
Soil pH6–6.8
Germination10–36 days
Spacing60 cm
HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.

Sources