{"product_id":"scotch-bonnet-pepper","title":"Scotch Bonnet Pepper Seeds","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"22\" data-end=\"536\"\u003eThe Scotch Bonnet pepper is a legendary variety, renowned as much for its intense heat as for its fruity and sweet flavor that sets it apart from other hot peppers. Its name comes from its shape, resembling a traditional Scottish bonnet. The small, slightly wrinkled fruits turn red, orange, or yellow when ripe. Their complex aromatic profile, combining tropical notes and powerful heat, makes them an essential ingredient in Caribbean cuisine and a favorite among hot sauce enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"573\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Grow Scotch Bonnet Peppers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"575\" data-end=\"1102\"\u003eThis pepper is ideal for warm, sheltered gardens in zones 5 to 9. It requires full sun exposure and consistently warm soil to thrive. In cooler regions, it is highly recommended to start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, then transplant them into a greenhouse or a protected outdoor location. Growing in pots or raised beds, near a south-facing wall, allows for more heat accumulation and improved production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1144\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Traditional Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1600\"\u003eOriginating from the Caribbean, the Scotch Bonnet pepper has been a cornerstone of island cuisine for generations. It is used in jerk seasonings, hot sauces, and spicy fruit salsas. Its unique balance of heat and flavor has earned it global recognition. Beyond cooking, it has also been used in certain tropical agricultural practices, particularly for natural pest control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1602\" data-end=\"1653\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Information by Canadian Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1655\" data-end=\"2070\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eZones 8 to 9: Direct sowing or transplanting outdoors in a very sunny location after all risk of frost has passed.\u003cbr data-start=\"1772\" data-end=\"1775\"\u003eZones 5 to 7: Start seeds indoors in late winter. Transplant when the soil has warmed and nighttime temperatures are above 12 °C.\u003cbr data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1927\"\u003eZones 3 to 4: Greenhouse or container cultivation recommended. Move plants outdoors only during periods of summer heat.\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 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"52\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Scotch Bonnet Peppers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"54\" data-end=\"233\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"64\" data-end=\"67\"\u003eStart seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds about 0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep in a seed starting mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"381\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransplanting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"253\"\u003eHarden off young plants before transplanting. Space them 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart in rich, well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"533\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"391\" data-end=\"394\"\u003eMaintain regular moisture without overwatering. Mulching is recommended to retain soil heat and moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"535\" data-end=\"752\"\u003eHarvest\u003cbr data-start=\"542\" data-end=\"545\"\u003ePeppers are ready when they are fully colored and firm, usually 75 to 90 days after transplanting. Wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"754\" data-end=\"905\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"766\"\u003eFertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer. Pinch off stem ends to encourage branching and increase yields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"949\"\u003eTips for Seed Saving\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"951\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelecting Fruits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"971\" data-end=\"974\"\u003eChoose the largest, fully ripe, and colored peppers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1198\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtracting Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1068\"\u003eCut the fruits and carefully remove the seeds. Spread them on paper towels to dry for 7 to 10 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1200\" data-end=\"1341\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and Storage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1222\"\u003eStore perfectly dry seeds in a labeled airtight container in a cool, dark place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1343\" data-end=\"1431\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1352\" data-end=\"1355\"\u003eScotch Bonnet seeds generally remain viable for 3 to 5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1509\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1456\" data-end=\"1459\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1509\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/2025_Organic_Certificate.webp?v=1776552673\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/2025_Organic_Certificate.webp?v=1776552673\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644647825776,"sku":"MF-PEPPER-006","price":5.75,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/magic_edit_TUFISDBQYkpuS28jMSM3NmNjMDFhMTU5NDFhYTU5NDIxOTI4ZTBjNGRjMTM4NSMxMjAwIyNUUkFOU0ZPUk1BVElPTl9SRVFVRVNU.jpg?v=1777075563","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en\/products\/scotch-bonnet-pepper","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}