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Annual BiennialFruit Edible

Capsicum chinense 'Scotch Bonnet'

A very hot Habanero type chilli pepper cultivar growing around 70cm tall producing fruit typically 2.5-4cm long ripening from green to red. The fruit shape resembles tam o’ shanter flat bonnet. Wear gloves when handling the fruit

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green Green Red
Autumn Green Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Irritant if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Capsicum are annual or perennial plants, with simple, alternate leaves, and tubular or bell-shaped flowers. They are grown for their glossy, many-seeded edible fruits, including chilli and bell peppers, and as indoor ornamental plants

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown inside on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse, but can be grown outside once all danger of frost has passed; select a sunny, sheltered position and grow in containers, peat-free growing bags or in open ground. Water regularly and feed with a high-potassium, liquid fertiliser once the first fruit has set. See how to grow: chilli peppers for further advice.

Propagation

Propagate by seed in late winter to early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

No pruning required; pinch out growing tips of plants when they are about 20cm tall to encourage bushiness

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, whitefly, aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

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