Overwintering guide
How to overwinter 'carolina reaper' pepper
Winter watering
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
The mistake that kills 'carolina reaper' pepper in winter
Bringing 'carolina reaper' pepper into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.
More 'carolina reaper' pepper care
- Overwintering habanero — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full 'carolina reaper' pepper care guide
- 'Carolina Reaper' Pepper temperature range
- How often to water 'carolina reaper' pepper
- How to prune 'carolina reaper' pepper
- Common 'carolina reaper' pepper problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering 'carolina reaper' pepper — FAQ
Does 'carolina reaper' pepper need to come indoors for winter?
'Carolina Reaper' Pepper is hardy to roughly USDA zone 9 — winter lows around -7°C. That means it takes cool conditions but not a real freeze. 'Carolina Reaper' Pepper will take cool conditions but not a hard freeze, so the aim is a frost-free winter rather than a warm one. An unheated greenhouse, porch, conservatory or bright garage all work well. Keep it cool, bright and on the dry side, and it will hold steady until growth restarts in spring.
When should I move 'carolina reaper' pepper for winter?
Move under cover before the first hard frost; back outside after the last spring frost.
How often should I water 'carolina reaper' pepper in winter?
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
What kills 'carolina reaper' pepper over winter?
Bringing 'carolina reaper' pepper into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.