BOC x Brainstrain

BOC x Brainstrain is a hobbyist-developed hybrid cross between Bhut Orange Copenhagen (BOC) and 7 Pot Brain Strain, both established super-hot Capsicum chinense lines. The abbreviation “BOC” is widely used within chilli-growing communities as shorthand for Bhut Orange Copenhagen.

In grower lists and seed trade references, the cross is typically written as “BOC x Brainstrain” or “BOC x Brain Strain.” Some sellers have offered specific colour phenotypes such as yellow forms (for example labelled as “B.O.C. x BRAINSTRAIN YELLOW”), suggesting that multiple colour expressions may exist within the cross rather than a single standardised appearance.

Both parent lines are marketed as super-hot peppers. Bhut Orange Copenhagen is commonly cited by seed vendors in the range of approximately 600 000–800 000+ SHU, while 7 Pot Brain Strain is often listed around 1 200 000 SHU in grower-facing materials. The value of 900 000 SHU is used here as a midpoint estimate reflecting those commonly stated parent heat figures rather than laboratory-confirmed testing of the hybrid itself.

As a community-bred hybrid, BOC x Brainstrain does not have a formal botanical registry entry or published academic documentation. Trait stability, pod morphology, colour, and heat intensity may vary between plants and seed lots, especially if the line is not fully stabilised.