Originating in Bangladesh and neighbouring regions of north-east India, the Red Naga Morich is one of the world’s classic superhot chillies. A member of the Capsicum chinense species, it produces vigorous, bushy plants that reward warm growing conditions with abundant crops of heavily wrinkled, pendant fruits. The pods ripen from green to an intense glossy red and are renowned for their blistering heat, often exceeding one million Scoville Heat Units under favourable conditions. Beneath the intense pungency lies a surprisingly complex flavour, combining fruity, citrus-like notes with a rich earthy character that makes it highly prized for hot sauces, curries and chilli powders. Although exceptionally hot, the flavour profile is considered by many enthusiasts to be one of the finest among the superhot varieties, making it a rewarding plant for experienced chilli growers.
Did you know? Before the rise of newer hybrids, Naga Morich was widely recognised as one of the hottest naturally occurring chillies in the world.
- Species: Capsicum chinense
- Heat: 800,000 – 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
- Growth Habit: Large bush.
- Approximate height: 90 – 120cm
- Flavour: Fruity, extremely hot
- Best uses: Superhot sauces
Naga Morich (Red) chilli plant Care instructions.
Congratulations on your new chilli plant! Chilli plants are surprisingly easy to grow and can produce an abundance of fruit with just a little
care.
Sunlight
Chilli plants love sunshine. Place your plant in the brightest position available, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Watering
Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of compost begin to dry out. During hot weather, plants growing in containers may need watering daily.
Feeding
For the best results, feed regularly with a good quality tomato or chilli fertiliser. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
Temperature
Chilli plants prefer warm conditions and thrive during the summer months. Protect from frost and cold winds.
Harvesting
Most chillies change colour as they ripen. Fruits can usually be harvested at any stage, but allowing them to fully ripen will often improve flavour and heat.
Common Questions
• Drooping leaves on a hot day are often normal and usually recover in the evening.
• Yellowing lower leaves can occur naturally as plants mature.
• Flowers may occasionally drop during periods of stress or temperature fluctuations.
With plenty of sunlight, regular watering and feeding, your chilli plant should reward you with a fantastic harvest throughout the growing season.
Want Even Better Results?
The care guide above will help most growers achieve excellent results. However, experienced growers often take things further by adjusting feeding programmes throughout the season, monitoring pH levels, using beneficial microbes, applying plant stimulants, and tailoring nutrition to the plant’s stage of growth. If you’d like to get the absolute best from your plant, drop into The Spice Cupboard and we’ll be happy to discuss more advanced growing techniques and products!
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