Scotch Bonnet Pepper

Scotch Bonnet Pepper Starter Plants in 4-Inch or 6-Inch Pots Available in Jupiter, FL

Fiery, fruity, and full of Caribbean flavor, the Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Capsicum chinense 'Scotch Bonnet') is a must-have for hot pepper enthusiasts and authentic island cuisine. These peppers pack serious heat—comparable to a habanero—but with a distinctive, sweet-tropical profile that makes them essential in jerk sauces, salsas, and pepper relishes.

In South Florida’s warm climate, Scotch Bonnet thrives, producing clusters of bright yellow to red, bonnet-shaped peppers on compact, bushy plants. Available in 4-inch and 6-inch pots, these vigorous starter plants are ideal for raised beds, large containers, or full-sun edible landscapes.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

Sunlight: Full sun—minimum of 6 hours daily. More sun = more heat and fruit.

Watering: Moderate. Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot or fungal issues.

Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost. Avoid heavy or compacted soils. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks. Switch to a bloom and fruit formula (lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium) once flowering begins.

Growth Habit: Upright, bushy growth. Plants typically reach 2–3 feet tall. May need staking once loaded with fruit.

Temperature: USDA Zones 9–11. Thrives in heat and humidity. Plant in spring or fall to avoid peak summer stress on young plants.

Maintenance: Moderate. Pinch early growth to encourage branching. Scout regularly for aphids and pepper hornworms—use neem or BT as needed.

Harvest & Seasonality:

Planting Time: Best planted from February to May and again in September to October in South Florida.

Harvest Time: 80–100 days from transplant. Fruits mature from green to yellow, orange, or red depending on the variety.

How to Harvest: Cut peppers with scissors when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Regular picking encourages heavier yields.

Seasonal Notes: Scotch Bonnets are heavy producers with extended harvest potential. Fruiting lasts through late summer and fall with good care.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:

Scotch Bonnets contain capsaicin, a powerful compound known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and metabolism-boosting properties. They’re also rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and carotenoids—supporting immunity, eye health, and cardiovascular function.

Ideal For:

• Gardeners who love bold heat and bold flavors

• Caribbean and Latin cuisine enthusiasts

• Companion planting near tomatoes, basil, and onions

• South Florida’s long, warm growing season

• Container growing on sunny patios

Plant Classification:

Scientific Name: Capsicum chinense 'Scotch Bonnet'
Common Name: Scotch Bonnet Pepper
Plant Type: Fruiting vegetable
Family: Solanaceae (nightshade family)
Class: Dicot – Broadleaf with branched veins and taproot structure
Growth Form: Upright, bushy annual (can act as short-lived perennial)
Evergreen/Deciduous: Neither—treated as seasonal in South Florida
Perennial or Annual: Technically a tender perennial, but grown as an annual for best yields in South Florida

Container Sizes: 4-inch or 6-inch pots