Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height 24 - 30 Inches
Mature Spread 12 - 15 Inches
Growing Zones 9 - 12

Gong Bao Hot Pepper is an essential ingredient in Thai curries and other spicy Asian foods. The long, thin chilis pack a punch with 5,000 and 10,000 Scoville heat units. Sometimes this pepper is called Kung Pao Pepper, which evokes the dish that made this hot pepper famous. There is no need to wait for Gong Bao to turn entirely red before eating, although the heat is more intense the riper this chili is.

Gong Bao Hot Pepper Care

Plant hot peppers in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sun daily and has well-draining soil. Mix in 1-2 inches of organic compost before planting and mulch the root zone well with 2-3 inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost after planting. Hot Peppers are drought tolerant and require less than 1 inch of water a week, either supplemental or natural rainfall. Overwatering peppers will result in root rot and mildewy foliage. Make sure to provide stake support at planting time for each pepper. The plants get top-heavy when fruit begins to form and need to be tied into a stake for support.

Growing Gong Bao Hot Pepper

Gong Bao takes up to 60 days after transplanting for the fruit to ripen. In extremely hot weather, 95 degrees F or above, the plants will slow down ripening and stop growth until cooler weather arrives. Expect the plants to reach a height of 30 inches and spread of 18 inches. Space each plant 18 inches apart on center if planting in a large grouping.

Gong Bao Peppers will grow well in containers or in a greenhouse to extend the beginning and end of their growing season. Use containers with excellent drainage in the bottom and a soil-based potting mix with plenty of perlite added. Pots that have a diameter of at least 8 inches will give the roots enough room to develop. Peppers are often added to late summer, mixed containers to add color and structure. The long fruits of Gong Bao Hot Pepper would make a fabulous thriller element in such a container.

Watering Gong Bao Hot Pepper

Water peppers when the top 3-4 inches of soil have dried out. These plants are natives of tropical jungles with dry soil and do not like to be overwatered. Water container-grown plants when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

Feeding Gong Bao Hot Pepper

Fertilize Hot peppers sparingly. Use a feed with a higher Phosphorous content to support heavy flowering and fruiting. Tomato and Rose fertilizers have the right NPK ratio for growing peppers. Apply a granular feed during planting, or water with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks until the peppers start to form.

Gong Bao Hot Pepper Plant Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 - 12

Plant Type: Edible Plants

Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height: 24 - 30 Inches

Mature Spread: 12 - 15 Inches

Spacing: 12 - 15 Inches

Habit: Upright

Flower Color(s): None

Flower Description:

Bloom Period:

Foliage Type: N/A

Foliage Color(s): Green

Foliage Description:

Seasonal Interest: N/A

Watering: Average

Resists: N/A

Tolerates: N/A

Attracts: N/A

Container Role:

Uses: N/A

Features: N/A

Brand: Goodness Grows

Common Name: Gong Bao Hot Pepper Plant

Other Name(s):

Scientific Name: Pepper 'Gong Bao'

SKU:: 1231013909-pc

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Gong Bao Hot Pepper Plant

Gong Bao Hot Pepper Care