~10 seeds
Description
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Jamaican Scotch Bonnet is a true, authentic variety cherished in Jamaica and beyond. These seeds, shared by Steve Queen from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, are officially recognized by the Jamaican government as a genuine Scotch Bonnet type, ideal for commercial cultivation. This prolific pepper boasts a delightful sweet flavor and ripens from green to vibrant yellow-orange. A must-grow for Scotch Bonnet enthusiasts, it delivers the perfect balance of authenticity, flavor, and productivity. 250,000-350,000 Scoville Heat Units – Very Hot.
Variety info
Days to Maturity: 70-85 days from transplanting
Family: Solanaceae
Scientific name: Capsicum chinense
Native: Jamaica
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive perennial grown as an annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions 24”–36” tall, 18”–24” wide
Variety Info: Pineapple Like Fruitiness, Sweet.
Attributes: Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: For Mild Climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after average last frost, when soil temperature is at least 70°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. This plant germinates in 7 to 40 days so plant 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–85°F. Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F, and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mild Climates: May be sown in late summer for fall/winter crop.
Days to Emerge: 7-40 days
Seed Depth: 1/2”
Seed Spacing: Start indoors
Row Spacing: 24”–36”
Thinning: Start indoors, plant seedlings 18”–24” apart outside
Growing Info
Bohica Pepper Hut - Pepper Growing Tips
Link to original
- Germination: Peppers need heat and light to germinate. Use mini incubators, sunny window ledges, or heating mats. Try the double cup method: Place a cup with holes inside another, fill with rich soil, water generously, and plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Cover with plastic wrap for a mini greenhouse effect. Avoid overwatering to prevent seed rot. Germination takes 7 days to 4-6 weeks.
- Maintenance: Mist soil as needed and keep seeds warm and/or sunny. Avoid fertilizing at this stage. For incubators, open the lid every 2 days for air circulation. Balance moisture carefully—too wet or too dry can harm sprouts.
- Seedlings: When seedlings reach 6-8 leaves or 3-4 inches, transplant to pots with compost. Handle roots gently, compact soil lightly, and water thoroughly. Begin feeding with a low-strength fertilizer and gradually increase as plants grow. Maintain temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
- Transplanting Outside: For outdoor planting, “harden off” plants by gradually exposing them to sunlight over 1-2 weeks, increasing time daily. Start with 30-60 minutes in the sun, recover in the shade, and ensure abundant watering. Fully acclimated plants can handle 8 hours of sun without wilting.
- For additional in depth instructions please visit our FAQ page at: https://bohicapepperhut.com/pages/faqs
Notes
So far (2026-03-21) none of the seeds have germinated. That includes the 2026-02-22 Begin the seedlings! and 2026-03-08 MOA Scotch Bonnet 2.0 dates. It may be that this seed takes closer to the 4+ week mark to appear. If so, then this plant should be started a full 2 to 3 weeks earlier.