Peppers
90-100days to harvest
14-21days to germinate
Z10–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Needs warm soil (75-85°F) for germination. Transplant after soil reaches 65°F.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
18-24 inches
Height
12-30 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark chocolate brown when ripe
Size
1-2 inches long, 1.5 inches wide
Shape
Classic habanero lantern shape with wrinkled surface
Flavour
Very hot (425,000-577,000 Scoville), rich chocolate and smoky flavors with fruity undertones

In the kitchen

Gourmet hot sauces, chocolate-based mole sauces, jerk seasoning, drying for powder

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, thrips, pepper weevil, spider mites
Diseases
Anthracnose, bacterial spot, powdery mildew
Resistance
Good resistance to bacterial leaf spot

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2April – MayJune – July—October – September
3AprilJune – July—September – October
4March – AprilJune—September – October
5MarchMay – June—September – October
6MarchMay – June—August – October
7February – MarchApril – May—August – October
8FebruaryApril – May—July – September
9JanuaryMarch – April—June – August
10JanuaryFebruary – March—June – August
11JanuaryJanuary – February—May – July
12JanuaryJanuary – February—May – July
13JanuaryJanuary – February—May – July

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially enhancing pepper flavor
MarigoldsDeters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds
TomatoesShare similar growing conditions and can help confuse pests through companion diversity
OreganoRepels spider mites and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
CarrotsHelps break up soil and doesn't compete for nutrients in the same soil layer
OnionsRepels aphids, spider mites, and various soil pests with sulfur compounds
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling squash bugs
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies

Avoid

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of peppers and most vegetables
Black WalnutReleases juglone toxin that causes wilting and death in pepper plants
BrassicasCompete heavily for nutrients and may stunt pepper growth through root competition

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
27
Protein (g)
1.66
Fat (g)
0.45
Carbohydrate (g)
5.35
Fibre (g)
3.4
Sugars (g)
1.95
Vitamin A (µg)
17
Vitamin C (mg)
82.7
Vitamin E (mg)
0.69
Vitamin K (µg)
9.5
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.357
Folate (µg)
29
Calcium (mg)
14
Iron (mg)
0.46
Magnesium (mg)
17
Phosphorus (mg)
32
Potassium (mg)
256
Zinc (mg)
0.25
Selenium (µg)
0.3

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the peppers growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Chocolate Habanero?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other peppers with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Chocolate Habanero suits these too.

Browse all 73 peppers