Scotch Bonnet

Scotch Bonnet is a classic Caribbean hot pepper prized for its intense heat paired with a bright, fruity, slightly sweet flavour. Widely used in Caribbean and West African cuisine, this variety delivers bold character that shines in sauces, marinades, and traditional dishes.

Plants are vigorous and highly productive, producing small, bonnet-shaped peppers that ripen from green to vibrant red, orange, or yellow depending on the strain. Despite its heat, Scotch Bonnet is valued as much for flavour as for fire.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
Growth habit: Upright and bushy
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 45–60 cm (18–24")
Container friendly: Yes; performs well in large containers
Support: Recommended under heavy fruit load

Fruit and Harvest

Scotch Bonnet produces small, lantern-shaped peppers with intense heat and rich flavour. Harvest when fully coloured and firm for the best balance of sweetness and heat. Regular picking encourages continued production.

Heat level: Very hot (approximately 100,000–350,000 Scoville Heat Units)

Use sparingly—small amounts provide significant heat and aroma. Gloves are recommended when handling.

Excellent for:

• Caribbean hot sauces
• Jerk seasoning and marinades
• Stews and curries
• Fermenting and drying

Why Buy a Starter Plant?

Hot peppers, especially Capsicum chinense varieties, can be slow to germinate and mature. Starting with an established plant provides:

• Faster establishment
• Earlier harvest in cooler climates
• More reliable production

Grown With Care

Our starter plants are grown without chemical pesticides and gradually hardened for outdoor growing, ensuring strong, healthy plants ready for transplanting once soil temperatures are consistently warm.

Well suited for: heat lovers, hot sauce makers, Caribbean cuisine enthusiasts, and gardeners seeking bold, flavour-forward heat.