Habanero Pepper – Live Plant Chocolate | Deep Rich Heat & Fruity Flavor

One of the Most Complex Habaneros — Smoky, Fruity & Intensely Hot

Chocolate Habanero (Capsicum chinense) is one of the most prized habanero varieties — wrinkled, lantern-shaped fruits that mature to a deep chocolate brown with an intensely fruity, smoky flavor and serious heat. Said to be 100× hotter than a jalapeño. Always wear gloves when harvesting. Grows in all USDA zones.

Plant Details

• Species: Capsicum chinense
• Heat Level: 200,000–300,000 SHU (super hot)
• Fruit: ~2 in, wrinkled lantern shape, chocolate brown at maturity
• Plant Size: 24–36 in tall
• Days to Maturity: ~90 days from transplant
• Best For: Hot sauce, Caribbean jerk, salsas, heat challenges
• Container Friendly: Yes – 5-gallon pot, all USDA zones

Growing Tips

Plant in full sun with rich, well-draining soil. Amend the planting hole with compost and feed every 2–3 weeks for the first 6 weeks. Mulch the base with 1–2″ of compost. Fertilize every 3–4 weeks after transplant.

Harvest Tips

Always wear gloves when harvesting. Harvest when fruits are fully chocolate brown. Frequent harvesting encourages continued production.