Pepper Seeds - Hot - Scotch Bonnet Orange
100 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum chinense. Orange Scotch Bonnet Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant, deer-resistant hot pepper with extra hot heat levels. 100,000-200,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The orange scotch bonnet is rare and not as well-known as the red scotch bonnet. The flavor is hot with fruity-smoking undertones. Many say it's hotter than the habanero. Enough to make your lips go numb. This pepper is often associated with Jamaican cuisine, and the flavor profile is ideal for jerk seasoning and similar dishes. If you're looking to add a pepper to your garden that's both fiery and flavorful, the Orange Scotch Bonnet is a fantastic choice. Its vibrant color, distinctive shape, and unique taste make it a standout in any culinary garden. ~5000 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Orange Scotch Bonnet Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
To cultivate Orange Scotch Bonnet peppers, begin by sowing seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant seeds 0.25 inch deep in a high-quality seed-starting mix. Maintain a warm environment with temperatures between 75-85 F to encourage germination, which typically occurs within 7-14 days. ​
Once seedlings develop 2-4 true leaves and reach about 4-6 inches in height, they are ready for hardening off. This process involves gradually introducing the young plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days, starting with a few hours of sunlight and increasing exposure daily.
Transplant hardened seedlings into well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8, giving each plant 18-24 inches of space for proper air circulation. Choose a location that receives full sun, as Scotch Bonnet peppers thrive with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Consistent watering is crucial, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize plants with a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to promote healthy fruit development. Apply fertilizer every 2–3 weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions for dosage.
Harvesting Orange Scotch Bonnet Peppers
Orange Scotch Bonnet peppers are typically ready for harvest between 100 and 130 days after transplanting. The peppers mature from green to a bright orange hue. They are about 2.5 inches long by 1.25 inches wide at maturity. To harvest, use scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit throughout the growing season.
About Orange Scotch Bonnet Pepper Garden Seeds
The Scotch Bonnet pepper derives its name from its resemblance to the traditional Scottish Tam o' Shanter hat.
One unique recipe featuring the Orange Scotch Bonnet is a spicy mango salsa. Combine diced ripe mango, finely chopped red onion, minced Orange Scotch Bonnet pepper (adjust to taste), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This salsa pairs excellently with grilled fish or chicken, adding a tropical heat to the dish.
Orange Scotch Bonnet peppers are well-suited for container gardening. Use a pot that is at least 3 to 5 gallons in size with adequate drainage holes. Ensure the container receives full sun and maintain consistent watering to moisten the soil.
These peppers are not only valued for their culinary uses but also for their ornamental appeal, with their vibrant orange color adding visual interest to gardens and patios.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Monitor plants regularly for common pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Encourage beneficial insects with nearby native plant groupings. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil as needed, but be sure to follow application guidelines to avoid harming the plants."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Orange Scotch Bonnet Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg Packet - Approximately 44 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 5,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Orange Scotch Bonnet Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Capsicum chinense |
| Pepper Type: | Hot - These peppers all have some heat and usually rank at least 100, but usually 500 or more on the Scoville scale and have heat ranging from mild to extremely hot. |
| Orange Scotch Bonnet Pepper Color: | Orange |
| Orange Scotch Bonnet Pepper Flavor: | Sweet, fruity, and tropical notes with a fiery heat |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11. |
| Days to Maturity: | #-# (from transplant) |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 12-24 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 24-36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.5 pH), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting, similar to tomatoes. Peppers also need sufficient amounts of phosphorus and calcium. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer for the best results. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). During high heat, foliar and flower development slow or pause until temperatures return to the preferred range. |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | No |
| Start Indoors: | Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Harden off and transplant when seedlings are 6-8 inches tall. Bury the stem slightly deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting hot and sweet peppers right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate, potentially affecting the flavors of your harvested peppers. |
| Pepper Pollination: | Peppers have perfect flowers (male and female parts) and will self-pollinate. However, wind and pollinator activity may increase success rates of fertilization and fruit production. |
| Plant Width: | 18-24 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Scoville Heat Units: | 100,000-200,000 |
| Heat Level: | Extra Hot - 100,000 to 300,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example: Most Habaneros |
| Growth Speed: | Late - Ready for harvest around 91 days or more from transplant. |
| Germination Temperature: | 80-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Peppers are commonly susceptible to cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial spot, Phytophthora, sunscald, and blossom end rot. To avoid or reduce problems with pests and diseases, stick to a regular watering schedule (drip irrigation is preferred), plant into well-draining soils, and utilize practices such as crop rotation. When taking pest control measures, consider utilizing integrated pest management principles by using mechanical removal, biological control, and other cultural practices before turning to chemical agents. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Pepper Use: | Jerk seasoning, hot sauces, marinades, salsas, chutneys, soups, stews, etc. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |