Scotch Bonnet Pepper
Capsicum chinense 'Scotch Bonnet'
vegetableA Caribbean hot pepper in the same heat range as habanero (100,000 to 350,000 SHU) with a distinctively sweet, fruity, almost tropical flavor underneath the intense heat. Essential in Jamaican jerk seasoning, hot sauces, and Caribbean cuisine. The squashed, wrinkled shape resembles a bonnet. Plants are very productive in warm climates.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~95 days
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
18-24 in
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Planting Depth
1/4 in seed; transplant to first true leaf
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Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 6 – 11
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant; every 3 to 4 weeks through fruiting season
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 early; high-phosphorus formula once flowering begins
🌱 Growing Guide
Start indoors 10 to 12 weeks before last frost. Scotch Bonnets need a long warm season. Use a heat mat for germination (85 F soil). Transplant only when nighttime temperatures are reliably above 60 F. These peppers are warm-climate natives and struggle in cool, cloudy conditions. In short-season areas, use a hoop house or grow in large containers that can be moved to a warm spot. Full sun is essential.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Feb 4
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Aug 2
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Basil: Repels aphids and whiteflies from pepper plants
- Marigold: Nematode suppression and general pest deterrence
- Onion: Aromatic deterrence of many common pepper pests
- Carrot: Loosens soil near pepper roots
❌ Keep away from
FennelBrassicas
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Insecticidal soap spray; introduce parasitic wasps; reflective mulch
Destroy infested fruit immediately; rotate planting location annually
Mist foliage in hot dry weather; neem oil spray every 7 days
Copper spray early in season; avoid overhead watering; space plants for airflow
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest at full ripe color (red, orange, yellow, or chocolate depending on variety) for maximum heat and fruity flavor. Always wear gloves when handling. The oils cause significant skin and eye irritation. Dry, freeze, or turn into hot sauce immediately as fresh fruit deteriorates quickly after harvest.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Very high in vitamin C (more than red bell pepper), vitamin A, and capsaicin. Rich in antioxidants including beta-carotene and flavonoids. Capsaicin shown to have anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.