Caribbean Red Habanero
Capsicum chinense 'Caribbean Red'
The ultimate heat lover's pepper, delivering intense fruity flavor alongside serious fire that registers 300,000-400,000 Scoville units. Unlike many superhot peppers that sacrifice flavor for heat, Caribbean Red maintains a delicious tropical fruit taste that complements its intense burn. This prolific producer thrives in hot climates and containers, rewarding brave gardeners with months of fiery harvests.
Harvest
90-120d
Days to harvest
Sun
Blossom-End Rot of Tomato
Zones
10–11
USDA hardiness
Height
12-30 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Caribbean Red Habanero in USDA Zone 10
All Zone 10 tropical →Zone Map
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Caribbean Red Habanero · Zones 10–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | July – August |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: KAP-sih-kum chy-NEN-see. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruits are a non-pulpy berry and vary considerably across cultivars in shape and color. Many tend to have a lumpy, crinkled appearance compared to other species. They contain high capsaicin levels.
Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy, White. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Good Dried, Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Bolivia, northern Brazil, and Peru
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Heat
- +Attracts: Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Birds are immune to the capsaicin in peppers and can safely eat the fruits with no ill effects. Therefore, these plants may attract birds.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially enhancing pepper flavor
Marigold
Deters nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids with natural pest-repelling compounds
Oregano
Repels aphids and spider mites while providing ground cover to retain soil moisture
Cilantro
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and helps deter aphids
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling whiteflies
Carrots
Deep roots don't compete with shallow pepper roots and help break up soil
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects and provides living mulch without competing for nutrients
Tomatoes
Similar growing requirements and can share support structures in tropical conditions
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that severely inhibits pepper growth and fruit production
Fennel
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth and development of peppers
Brassicas
Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may stunt pepper growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169394)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, avoid bacterial spot
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, pepper weevils, thrips
Diseases
Bacterial spot, anthracnose, mosaic virus