Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) in Zone 7a & 7b
Capsicum chinense
Yes, ghost pepper (bhut jolokia) grows in zones 7a and 7b. Start seeds indoors Jan 23–Jan 30 and plant out Apr 24–May 1.
When to plant ghost pepper (bhut jolokia) in zone 7b
Zones 7a and 7b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Jan 23–Jan 30 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 24–May 1 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 17–Aug 24 (~115 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 3-4 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 7b
These go outside within two weeks of ghost pepper (bhut jolokia) in zone 7b, so one planting day can cover them.
- Bell PepperApr 24–May 1
- 7 Pot Douglah Pepper (Chocolate 7 Pot)Apr 24–May 1
- 7 Pot Primo PepperApr 24–May 1
- Aji Amarillo PepperApr 24–May 1
- Anaheim Pepper (New Mexico, Hatch)Apr 24–May 1
- Carolina Reaper PepperApr 24–May 1
The ghost pepper, or bhut jolokia, comes from northeast India. It was the first pepper widely recognized as passing one million Scoville units. Several later superhots descend from it or its close relative Naga Morich, including Naga Viper and 7 Pot Primo.
How ghost pepper (bhut jolokia) fits zone 7's season
Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Ghost pepper (bhut jolokia) needs about 115 days from transplant to first harvest.
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) planting windows in every zone
Zone 7b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Mar 14–Mar 21 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | Oct 6–Oct 13 |
| 4a & 4b | Feb 27–Mar 6 | May 29–Jun 5 | Sep 21–Sep 28 |
| 5a & 5b | Feb 22–Mar 1 | May 24–May 31 | Sep 16–Sep 23 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 7–Feb 14 | May 9–May 16 | Sep 1–Sep 8 |
| 7a & 7b (your zone) | Jan 23–Jan 30 | Apr 24–May 1 | Aug 17–Aug 24 |
| 8a & 8b | Jan 7–Jan 14 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Aug 1–Aug 8 |
| 9a & 9b | Nov 30–Dec 7 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | Jun 24–Jul 1 |
| 10a & 10bSummer window | May–Jul | Aug–Sep | ~115 days after transplanting |
| 11a & 11bSummer window | May–Nov | Aug–Feb | ~115 days after transplanting |
Harvest dates are about 115 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
- Basil: Reputed to repel aphids and improve pepper growth nearby, but a controlled garden trial testing this same claim on a related crop found no pest-reduction benefit from basil, and found higher pest counts on the basil-companioned plants. Treat this pairing as unproven, not as a working pest deterrent.
- Onion: Reputed to deter many common pepper pests, though this specific pairing hasn't been tested the way onion/carrot pest-masking has. Treat it as garden tradition.
Where to buy ghost pepper seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market (ghost pepper seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing ghost pepper (bhut jolokia)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 7b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
%20in%20USDA%20zone%207b%3A%20when%20to%20start%20seeds%20indoors%2C%20when%20to%20direct-sow%2C%20and%20when%20to%20expect%20a%20harvest.)
Pin this for later
Growing Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest