Capsi’s sourced range is 2,693,000 SHU (Official breeder). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat

How do I grow Pepper X?

Pepper X: about 120 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

Pepper X

Flavor & Use

Known primarily for its brutal, long-lasting heat with a slower onset compared to some other superhots; also exhibits fruity and floral notes, subtle sweetness at first, earthy undertones. Limited public information exists on complex flavor notes due to its extreme potency.

intensedelayed burnfruityfloralearthy

Culinary

extreme hot saucesworld record challengesprofessional hot sauce making

About

Pepper X was developed by Ed "Smokin' Ed" Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It is a cross between a Carolina Reaper and another pepper received from a fellow grower. After many years of selective breeding and stabilization, it was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in August 2023 as the new hottest chili pepper in the world, surpassing the Carolina Reaper (which Currie had also created). The pepper is notable for its extremely high capsaicin concentration in the placental tissue and its heavily ridged structure, which increases the surface area for capsaicin production. When Currie tasted it during development, he reportedly experienced intense heat for over three hours.

Backstory

Pepper X was developed by Ed "Smokin' Ed" Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It is a cross between a Carolina Reaper and another pepper received from a fellow grower. After many years of selective breeding and stabilization, it was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in August 2023 as the new hottest chili pepper in the world, surpassing the Carolina Reaper (which Currie had also created). The pepper is notable for its extremely high capsaicin concentration in the placental tissue and its heavily ridged structure, which increases the surface area for capsaicin production. When Currie tasted it during development, he reportedly experienced intense heat for over three hours.

Appearance

ShapeHeavily wrinkled and ridged with scorpion tail

ColorYellow-green · Pale green

Size5–8 cm

WallThin

SkinWrinkled

Growing

SunFull

WaterModerate

ClimateSubtropical

Days to maturity120 days

Plant height60–120 cm

Soil pH5.5–7

Germination10–28 days

Spacing45 cm

HardinessZones 9-11

FAQ

How hot is Pepper X?: Capsi’s sourced range is 2,693,000 SHU (Official breeder). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
What does Pepper X taste like?: Known primarily for its brutal, long-lasting heat with a slower onset compared to some other superhots; also exhibits fruity and floral notes, subtle sweetness at first, earthy undertones. Limited public information exists on complex flavor notes due to its extreme potency.
How do I grow Pepper X?: Pepper X: about 120 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
What can I substitute for Pepper X?: carolina-reaper