Organic Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper Seeds – Fiery Caribbean Chili for Authentic Hot Sauces and Spicy Dishes (Capsicum chinense)

$2.49

Minimum: 10+ seeds

Bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your garden and kitchen with Organic Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper Seeds (Capsicum chinense). Famous for their intense heat and fruity, tropical flavor, these peppers are a cornerstone of Caribbean cuisine, particularly in authentic jerk dishes and hot sauces. With their bright red color and distinctive bonnet shape, these peppers are as visually striking as they are spicy. Ideal for spice lovers, Red Scotch Bonnet peppers add a fiery kick to any dish, making them a must-have for any adventurous cook or gardener.

Key Features:

  • Fiery Heat: Red Scotch Bonnet peppers pack a powerful punch, with a Scoville rating between 100,000 and 350,000 units, similar to Habanero peppers. Their heat is complemented by a sweet, fruity flavor that’s unique to this variety.
  • Iconic Caribbean Flavor: These peppers are essential for creating authentic Caribbean dishes, especially jerk chicken, hot sauces, and marinades. Their distinctive flavor adds depth and heat to any recipe.
  • Vibrant Appearance: The bright red hue and characteristic bonnet shape of these peppers make them a stunning addition to your garden, adding color and intrigue to your plantings.
  • Organic and Non-GMO: Our seeds are 100% organic and non-GMO, ensuring that you grow your peppers in the healthiest and most natural way possible, free from synthetic chemicals.

Growing Tips:

  • Planting: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix, keeping the soil warm (75-85°F/24-29°C) and consistently moist until germination.
  • Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained location.
  • Sunlight: Red Scotch Bonnet peppers require full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and fruit production.
  • Soil: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Enrich the soil with organic compost to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
  • Watering: Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
  • Fertilizing: Feed plants with a balanced organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to support strong growth and abundant fruiting.

Harvesting Tips:

  • When to Harvest: Harvest peppers when they turn bright red and reach full maturity, typically 90-100 days after transplanting. The heat and flavor intensify as the peppers ripen, so for the most robust taste, wait until they are fully red.
  • How to Harvest: Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Handle with care, as the oils can cause skin irritation.
  • Storage: Fresh Scotch Bonnet peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be dried, frozen, or pickled.

Culinary Uses:

  • Hot Sauces: Red Scotch Bonnet peppers are a key ingredient in Caribbean hot sauces, bringing both heat and a fruity complexity to the sauce. Blend with vinegar, garlic, and other spices for a homemade sauce with authentic flavor.
  • Jerk Seasoning: These peppers are essential in making traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning. Their heat pairs perfectly with allspice, thyme, and other herbs and spices to create a bold, spicy rub or marinade for meats.
  • Spicy Salsas: Add finely chopped Scotch Bonnet peppers to salsas for an extra kick. Their unique flavor elevates salsas to a new level, perfect for pairing with grilled meats and vegetables.
  • Marinades: Incorporate into marinades for a fiery infusion of flavor. The peppers work well with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for a balanced sweet-heat marinade.

Medicinal Uses:

  • Pain Relief: Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in Scotch Bonnet peppers, is known for its analgesic properties. It’s often used in topical creams for pain relief, particularly for arthritis and muscle pain.
  • Metabolism Boost: The intense heat of these peppers can help increase metabolism, supporting weight management and fat burning.
  • Rich in Vitamins: Scotch Bonnet peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function, skin health, and overall well-being.
  • Antioxidant Properties: The high levels of antioxidants in these peppers help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases.

Why Choose Organic:

Our Organic Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper Seeds are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, ensuring a healthy and sustainable gardening experience. By choosing organic, you’re supporting environmentally friendly practices and growing peppers that are safe and natural.

Perfect for Any Garden:

Red Scotch Bonnet peppers are a bold addition to any garden, whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner looking to spice things up. These peppers can be grown in traditional garden beds, raised beds, or large containers, making them versatile and suitable for any space.

Specifications:

  • Botanical Name: Capsicum chinense
  • Seed Count: 10+ seeds per pack
  • Plant Type: Annual
  • Fruit Size: 1-2 inches in diameter
  • Days to Maturity: 90-100 days from transplanting
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-11 (grown as an annual in all zones)

Add some Caribbean heat to your garden and kitchen with Organic Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper Seeds. Order now and start growing your own fiery, flavorful peppers for authentic jerk dishes, hot sauces, and more!