• For all the information you need to grow peppers successfully, see our Ultimate Guide to Growing Peppers.

The Habanero Magnum Orange is an improved version of the classic habanero, which it resembles. It is larger, turns bright orange when ripe, and is better suited to cooler climates, making it easier to care for. At 125,000 to 325,000 on the Scoville scale, it is as hot as other habaneros. The plant can grow up to 120 cm tall, and its fruit is ready to harvest once it turns orange.

• Heat: 125,000 to 325,000 on the Scoville scale.
• Plant height: approximately 120 cm.
• Medium-sized fruit, approximately 7 cm long.
• Fruit color: green while growing, orange when ripe.
• Genus: Capsicum chinense.
• Ideal germination period: between January and April.
• Harvest: between September and November.

What Equipment Do I Need to Grow Peppers?

For the best results, we recommend having:

Habanero Magnum Orange pepper seeds.
An enclosed growing space, such as a mini greenhouse.
Coconut coir pellets, peat pellets, or cotton (for germinating the seeds).
Labels (so you don't mix up your seedlings).
Potting mix (ideally 50% dark peat and 50% light peat), or a flowering potting mix, which will also work.
Pepper fertilizer or tomato fertilizer, or 5-5-10 fertilizer for those in the know.
A spray bottle or watering can.
Gloves (if you don't like touching soil).
Pots 7 or 8 cm in diameter to start, followed by pots of 10 liters or more, depending on the pepper, when transplanting.

To make things easier, we offer a mini greenhouse for growing your peppers.

How Do I Germinate My Pepper Seeds?

Growing peppers takes patience and a little know-how, but don't worry—we'll explain everything you need to germinate your pepper seeds!

Pepper seeds are generally sown early in the year, from January at the earliest to March, at the start of spring. You'll need the equipment listed above.

You have two options:
Plant a seed directly in a pot of potting mix, about half a centimeter deep.
Place a seed on a coconut coir pellet or a piece of cotton.

In either case, once the seed is in place, spray on enough water to moisten the potting mix or cotton without soaking it. Then put your coconut coir pellet or cotton in a container, such as a mini greenhouse, to retain heat and moisture while allowing oxygen in. If you're using a flowerpot, you can simply stretch plastic wrap over the top and make small holes in it with a toothpick to let air in.

Ideally, maintain a constant temperature of 28°C. You can place your container by a sunny window, on or near a radiator, or on a heating pad or mat designed for this purpose.

OUR TIP:

Put your mini greenhouse on top of your internet router!

Remember to air out your growing space from time to time to prevent fungus while keeping the soil moist. Once the first leaves appear, make sure your seedlings get enough sunlight—12 to 14 hours a day. When the second set of leaves is well developed, you can transplant them into larger pots.

Once potted, keep your plant near a heat source and in sunlight. Ideally, try to filter the light to prevent heat damage.

After the last frost, around mid-May, you can move your plant outdoors and put it in the ground if you like. Or leave it in its pot and place it on a balcony, a windowsill, or even along a wall, preferably south-facing.

How Should I Water My Habanero Magnum Orange Pepper Plant?

When watering your Habanero Magnum Orange pepper, be careful not to overwater. Too much water can drown and kill the plant. Simply let the soil dry out between waterings to help prevent insects from multiplying and the plant from becoming waterlogged.

Once the plant is well established (around 30 cm tall), you can induce water stress by stopping watering for several days before watering again. Be careful not to overdo it, though—it would be a shame to let your pepper plant die.

How Do I Prepare for My Harvest?

Once your pepper plant is in place, here are our tips for getting the most from your future harvest:

When your pepper plant reaches 15 to 20 cm, you can pinch the top of the stem without breaking it. This should help the plant grow bushier and produce a little more.

If one of your plants flowers early, remove the first flowers so they don't drain too much of the plant's energy.

If your pepper plant is outdoors, insects will pollinate it, allowing it to produce peppers. If it's indoors, you'll need to do this by hand: gently rub each flower in turn with a clean finger.

Feel free to use a bamboo stake or rod to support your plant.

When Should I Harvest My Habanero Magnum Orange Peppers?

To know when to harvest your Habanero Magnum Orange peppers, check their color! Like other peppers, these are ready to pick once they turn orange.