{"product_id":"scotch-bonnet-pepper","title":"Scotch Bonnet Pepper","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"164\" data-start=\"0\"\u003eScotch Bonnet peppers are a legendary variety cherished not only for their intense heat but also for their distinctively sweet and fruity flavour that sets them apart from other hot peppers. Named for their resemblance to a traditional Scottish tam o' shanter bonnet, these small, crinkled fruits come in shades of orange, red, or yellow when mature. Their complex taste profile—combining tropical fruitiness with searing spice—makes them a favourite in Caribbean cuisine and a must-have for serious hot sauce aficionados.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1512\" data-start=\"999\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1043\" data-start=\"999\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Scotch Bonnet Pepper?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1046\" data-start=\"1043\"\u003eBest suited for warm, sheltered gardens in Zones 5–9, Scotch Bonnets require full sun and consistently warm soil to thrive. For those in cooler regions, starting plants indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost and transplanting them into a greenhouse or a protected outdoor location can greatly improve yield and fruit development. These peppers benefit from being planted in raised beds or containers placed against a sunny south-facing wall where heat accumulates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1949\" data-start=\"1514\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1545\" data-start=\"1514\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1548\" data-start=\"1545\"\u003eNative to the Caribbean, Scotch Bonnet peppers have been a cornerstone of island cuisine for generations. Used to make traditional jerk seasoning, pepper sauces, and spicy fruit salsas, the pepper’s unique blend of fire and flavour has earned it a global following. Beyond its culinary importance, the pepper has also played a role in cultural rituals and natural pest control in tropical agriculture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2293\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1980\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1983\" data-start=\"1980\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1997\" data-start=\"1983\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow or transplant outdoors in a hot, sunny spot after all frost risk has passed.\u003cbr data-end=\"2088\" data-start=\"2085\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2102\" data-start=\"2088\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors in late winter; transplant after soil warms and night temperatures remain above 12°C.\u003cbr data-end=\"2205\" data-start=\"2202\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2219\" data-start=\"2205\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow in containers or greenhouses; move outside during summer heat waves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2293\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2955\" data-start=\"2295\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2343\" data-start=\"2295\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Scotch Bonnet Pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2955\" data-start=\"2295\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2359\" data-start=\"2346\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Sow 0.5cm (¼in) deep in seed-starting mix.\u003cbr data-end=\"2455\" data-start=\"2452\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2473\" data-start=\"2455\"\u003eTransplanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harden off young plants before transplanting. Space 30–45cm (12–18in) apart in rich, well-drained soil.\u003cbr data-end=\"2580\" data-start=\"2577\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2593\" data-start=\"2580\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain even moisture; avoid waterlogging. Use mulch to retain heat and moisture.\u003cbr data-end=\"2679\" data-start=\"2676\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2694\" data-start=\"2679\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peppers are ready when fully coloured and firm—usually 75–90 days after transplanting. Use gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation.\u003cbr data-end=\"2835\" data-start=\"2832\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2851\" data-start=\"2835\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertilize with a balanced organic mix. Pinch the growing tips to encourage branching and higher yields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"3349\" data-start=\"2957\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2995\" data-start=\"2957\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"3349\" data-start=\"2957\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3020\" data-start=\"2998\"\u003eSelect Ripe Fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose the largest, fully coloured peppers.\u003cbr data-end=\"3067\" data-start=\"3064\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3085\" data-start=\"3067\"\u003eExtract Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut open and remove seeds carefully; spread on paper towel to dry for 7–10 days.\u003cbr data-end=\"3169\" data-start=\"3166\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3187\" data-start=\"3169\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store completely dry seeds in a labelled airtight container in a cool, dark location.\u003cbr data-end=\"3276\" data-start=\"3273\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3290\" data-start=\"3276\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scotch Bonnet seeds typically remain viable for 3–5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"3430\" data-start=\"3351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3375\" data-start=\"3351\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3378\" data-start=\"3375\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"3430\" data-start=\"3378\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811180359922,"sku":"MF-PEPPER-006","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/scotch_bonnet_peper.jpg?v=1772481888","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/scotch-bonnet-pepper","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}