Hot Pepper Seeds, Jamaican Scotch Bonnet

star-filled
4.1
10 Reviews
Sku:
#HPP237
Min. seed count:
10
$4.00

Description

(Capsicum chinense). An heirloom treasure from Jamaica, this pepper is fruity and full-bodied. Named for the uniquely shaped fruits that resemble the famous “tam o’shanter” Scottish hat. Our Jamaican scotch bonnets are produced by our resident horticulturist and pepper lover, Richie Ramsay, at his farm in Jamaica. He tells us that it is critical for the vinegar sauce in Jamaican Escovitch (escabeche). The thick walls of the pepper are well suited to long cooking times for making jerks and curries. We are grateful to Richie for introducing this select strain of Jamaican scotch pepper.

  • 90-100 days to maturity
  • 8-12 hours of full sun
  • Sprouts in 7-10 days
  • Seed Depth: 1/4"
  • Plant Spacing: 14-18"
  • Ideal Temperature: 70-95 F
  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Growing Tips

The Jamaican Scotch Bonnet is a fiery, heirloom pepper that thrives in warm, sunny locations. It grows best in rich, well-draining soil and requires a long growing season to fully mature. During germination, you can use a heat mat to help keep the soil warm.

When to Grow

Start Jamaican Scotch Bonnet seeds indoors about 8-12 weeks before the last frost date, as these peppers have a long growing season. Transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 65 F. In areas with short summers, indoor starting is especially important to make sure that the peppers have enough time to mature.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix, keeping the soil temperature around 80-85 F. Germination usually takes 7-10 days. When seedlings reach 6-8 inches tall and have several true leaves, harden them off gradually before transplanting outdoors. Space plants 14-18 inches apart in full sun with well-drained soil.

How to Grow

Water Scotch Bonnet peppers regularly, keeping the soil moist but never soggy, as these peppers dislike overly wet soil. Use a balanced fertilizer at transplanting, switching to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer once flowers appear to encourage fruiting. Scotch Bonnets require at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily. As the plants grow and bear fruit, use stakes or cages to support branches, as they may become heavy with peppers.

How to Save
  • Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
  • To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
  • It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.
FAQ

How hot is the Jamaican Scotch Bonnet pepper?
They are extremely hot, typically ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units, making them one of the spicier varieties available.

How long do Jamaican Scotch Bonnet peppers take to mature?
Approximately 90-100 days from transplanting to reach full maturity.

Do I need to prune my Scotch Bonnet pepper plants?
Pruning is optional but can help improve airflow, especially in humid conditions, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases and allows more sunlight to reach the entire plant.

delivery
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Hot Pepper Seeds, Jamaican Scotch Bonnet
star-filled
4.1
Customer reviews (10)

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