Scotch Bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense 'Scotch Bonnet')

Scotch Bonnet pepper

This colorful, fiery pepper packs a bold punch in Caribbean cuisine. With its unique scotch bonnet shape and tropical origins, it's a standout addition to any garden. But beware, its heat level ranges from 100,000-350,000 Scoville units, making it one of the hottest peppers in the world.

Scientific classification

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Green

Leaf Color

Red, Green, Burgundy, Yellow, Purple, Orange, Gold, Lavender, White

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Culture

Interesting Facts

The fruits of capsicum annuum var. conoides are exquisite and variable. They stand on the top of the leaves and are interesting. When Columbus discovered the Americas in 1493, capsicum annuum var. conoides were brought back to Spain and introduced to Central Europe in about a century, while it was introduced to China through the Western Regions in the late Ming Dynasty.

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Care Guide for Scotch Bonnet pepper

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Scotch Bonnet pepper has a long growth period and shallow roots, requiring frequent watering. Water in the morning on sunny days to prevent disease. Water needs vary: keep soil moist for seedlings, 60-80% during bloom, and reduce as fruit matures, maintaining around 65% moisture post-fruiting.

Fertilize: Scotch Bonnet pepper thrives in nutrient-rich habitats, requiring balanced fertilizers. Use less during seedling stage, then apply nitrogen and phosphorus at leaf development. Increase fertilizers when blooming and during full fruiting with a mixed N-P-K formula. Control nitrogen later while focusing on phosphorus and potassium for fruit quality.

Pruning: Pruning scotch Bonnet pepper in mid-spring promotes bushy growth and improves air circulation. Remove dead stems and trim main branches to enhance fruit production. Regular sucker removal directs energy to yields while preventing disease and pests, resulting in healthier, sturdier plants.

Propagation: Scotch Bonnet pepper propagates by sowing seeds. After germination, transplant when seedlings have 4-5 leaves, spacing them 2 in. Once strong with 14-15 leaves and hardened stems, they can be planted 10-12 in. apart.

Repotting: Both pot and ground planting are suitable options for scotch Bonnet pepper.

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