The Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Capsicum chinense) delivers a fiery kick, comparable to the habanero, but with a uniquely fruity, sometimes smoky flavor. Occasionally called Scotty Bon or Bonny Pepper, its name comes from its resemblance to a Scottish tam (bonnet). Beyond the kitchen, Scotch Bonnet Peppers can also serve as a companion plant in the garden, where their strong aroma may help deter certain pests when grown alongside other crops. This pepper balances intense heat with a citrusy, apricot-like sweetness, especially when fully ripened to red. A staple in Caribbean cuisine, it’s perfect for jerk seasoning, hot sauces, and fruit-based salsas. With a Scoville rating of 100,000 to 325,000, it’s not for the faint of heart!

• Kingston Market 2017

• Hardiness: Frost-sensitive perennial grown as an annual

• Exposure: Full sun

• Attributes: Frost-sensitive, good for containers

• Planting Spacing: 18-24 inches apart

Flowering Time: 100-120 Days to Maturity (from transplant)

• Germination Rate: 96%