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Scotch Bonnet Orange

Capsicum chinese

$3.99

640 mg Approximately

The Orange Scotch Bonnet (Capsicum chinense) is a vibrant, fiery pepper with a sweet, citrusy flavor and is a staple in Caribbean cuisine, especially for traditional jerk seasoning and sauces. Known for its distinctive bonnet shape, this heirloom pepper has heat levels between 100,000 and 400,000 Scoville Units, similar to habaneros but with a unique sweetness.

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707 in stock

  • Days to Germination: 7-21 days
  • Days to Maturity: 90-100 days
  • Plant Height: Up to 30 inches
  • Spacing: 30 inches apart
  • Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
  • Optimal Germination Temperature: 85°F

Starting Indoors:

  • Timing: Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost.
  • Sowing: Place seeds 1/4 inch deep in sterile seed-starting mix with a heat mat to maintain a soil temperature of around 85°F.
  • Lighting: Provide 12-16 hours of light daily to promote strong growth.

Transplanting:

  • When: Move plants outdoors once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F. Space plants 30 inches apart for adequate growth.
  • Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting.

Growing Tips

  • Soil: Well-drained, rich soil with added compost or organic matter.
  • Watering: Keep soil moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Drip irrigation is recommended to avoid disease.
  • Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer initially, switching to one with higher phosphorus and potassium as peppers develop.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Harvest when peppers are bright orange, around 90-100 days after transplanting. Carefully use scissors or pruners to avoid damaging branches.
  • Storage: Use fresh, or dry and store in a cool, dark place. Handle with gloves to avoid skin irritation from capsaicin.

Culinary and Gardening Benefits

Orange Scotch Bonnets bring both heat and fruity complexity to dishes. Ideal for sauces, marinades, and pickling, they add an authentic flavor to Caribbean recipes. They are also highly productive and suitable for container growing, with plants capable of continuous production even in hot, humid climates.