Ross Barber

Ross Barber

Location: Queensland, Australia
Known For: Creator of the RB series peppers, including RB003

Ross Barber is an Australian chili breeder best known for his development of the RB series — a line of experimental superhot chili pepper crosses that have gained traction among advanced growers. Among them, RB003 is the most well-known, frequently praised for its intense heat, distinct appearance, and complex genetic lineage. These peppers are generally crosses involving combinations of Carolina Reaper, 7 Pot Brain Strain, and other high-performance superhots.

Ross began sharing his creations in the mid-2010s through chili-growing forums and social media groups. Rather than focusing on commercialization, Barber developed his RB series as part of a personal passion project rooted in genetic curiosity and extreme phenotyping. His work reflects a deep appreciation for hybrid complexity — and a willingness to share open-source genetics with the global community of chili growers.

What distinguishes Barber’s peppers is his transparent documentation of the breeding lineage and naming convention. The RB prefix stands for his initials, and each number (RB001, RB002, RB003, etc.) refers to a different cross or generation. RB003, for example, is a well-documented cross between Carolina Reaper and 7 Pot Brainstrain, stabilized through several generations to produce a consistent phenotype with gnarled skin, sharp heat onset, and a mean, citrusy bitterness.

He is also known for his contributions to the collaborative development of newer hybrids — offering seeds and feedback to growers experimenting with RB lines in different climates.

Notable Creations:

  • RB003 (Reaper × 7 Pot Brainstrain)
  • Other RB crosses (RB001, RB002, etc.)

Legacy:
Barber represents a new wave of precision-minded hobbyist breeders who contribute significantly to global superhot genetics without commercial fanfare. His RB series has become a favorite among elite growers for experimentation, appreciated for its well-documented lineage and extreme characteristics.

Sources / References

  1. The Pepper Lovers Community (Facebook) – Ross Barber grow logs and comments
  2. Reddit: r/HotPeppers – Multiple grow threads and reviews of RB003
  3. The Hot Pepper Forum – Discussion threads on RB lineage
  4. PepperLover and White Hot Peppers – Community-sourced seed exchanges with RB labeling
  5. YouTube grow channels showcasing RB003 reviews and pods