How to Grow Naga King Chillies from Seed

September 16, 2026

Chilli Growing Guides · Capsicum chinense

How to Grow Naga King Chillies from Seed

The ghost chilli of Nagaland, grown across north-east India for centuries, with a slow, creeping heat that builds for a full minute.

Naga King is the ghost chilli of Nagaland, grown across north-east India for centuries. It belongs to the same family of landrace chillies as the Bhut Jolokia, the first chillies ever measured above a million Scoville units, and it remains a benchmark by which superhots are judged.

The heat is slow and creeping, building for a full minute after the first bite. It needs the longest possible season under glass to ripen in Britain.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Species

Capsicum chinense

Heat

Superhot

Sow

January to February

Harvest

September to October

Best Grown

Under cover all season

Difficulty

Full growing method

Naga King is grown like every other Capsicum chinense. Our species guide covers sowing temperatures, potting on, feeding, pollination, overwintering and problems step by step.

Read the Capsicum chinense guide →

About this Variety

Origin

A traditional chilli of Nagaland, grown in north-east India for centuries.

The heat

Slow and creeping, building for a full minute.

A benchmark

Part of the ghost chilli family by which superhots are still measured.

Growing note

Sow as early as possible and keep it under glass for the whole season.

Superhot handling

Wear gloves and eye protection when picking and processing the fruit. Work in a ventilated room, and keep fruit, seed and plants away from children and pets.