Capsicum chinense Seeds | Scotch Bonnet Chile Pepper
LATIN NAME: Capsicum chinense
COMMON NAME: Scotch Bonnet
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Scotch Bonnet (Capsicum chinense) is a fast-growing, annual in the nightshade family. The Scotch bonnet hoods blocky, wrinkled fruits among broad, oval leaves, the whole plant standing in the bright, fiery look of the warm kitchen garden. It is a plant of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained ground. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Capsicum chinense, a representative of the nightshade family with clear practical value. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Scotch Bonnet for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. The Scotch bonnet is a bright, useful plant of warm kitchen garden and study collection. It is a bright, useful plant of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained garden. The Scotch bonnet seeds start easily in a rich, gritty compost kept warm and moist. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Chili pepper’s fire is capsaicin, one of the most useful plant molecules in medicine: topical capsaicin preparations are approved for nerve and arthritis pain, and population studies link regular chili eating with metabolic and cardiovascular benefits. Beyond the heat, peppers are superb sources of vitamin C.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Scotch Bonnet under ordinary good conditions. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Being a fast-growing, annual, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Scotch Bonnet has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Plant it in sun with drainage to its liking and the rest is easy.
Related Reading
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