Start seeds indoors in early February, approximately 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost. Maintaining temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F) greatly improves germination. The long growing season helps produce abundant harvests before autumn.
Quantity
About 10 seeds
Exposure
Full sun with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a warm, sheltered location to ensure optimum fruit ripening.
Difficulty level
Intermediate
Discover the plant
Family
Solanaceae
Type
Hot Pepper
Cycle
Annual in Canada
Orange Scorpion Hot Pepper (Capsicum chinense) is a rare and sought-after variant of Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, prized for its round, bumpy fruits that ripen to a brilliant orange. Developed from a cross between Trinidad Scorpion and Congo Yellow, it combines spectacular appearance with formidable intensity. The fruits, which can exceed 5 cm (2 in) in diameter, ripen from light green to a bright orange that stands out in the garden or in containers. The vigorous, productive plant reaches about 80 cm to 1 m (32 to 40 in) tall. Grown as an annual in Canada, it develops extreme heat close to 1,000,000 SHU.
Orange Scorpion Hot Pepper requires a warm, long, and attentive growing season in full sun, in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors in early February, about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost, at a stable temperature of 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days but may take longer. Soaking seeds for 12 to 24 hours before sowing may help. Once plants have 4 to 6 true leaves, transplant them before gradually hardening them off outdoors. Regular watering without excess and fertilization every 2 to 3 weeks encourage abundant harvests.
In the garden, this pepper is suited to collector vegetable gardens, greenhouses, large 10 to 15 L containers, and very warm locations where production can be extended. It grows well alongside tomatoes, basil, and cilantro, while benefiting from being kept away from fennel and beets. Its flowers may attract pollinators, while its orange fruits with sweet, fruity, tropical aromas are intended for hot sauces, marinades, spicy salsas, and dried powders. Wear gloves and avoid contact with the eyes, face, sensitive skin, children, and pets.
Sowing guide
From packetto germination.
Sowing periodFebruary to March
Best timeFebruary to March
Sowing depth6 mm (1/4 in)
Germination temperature25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F)
Germination time10 to 20 days
PropagationPropagated from seed. Seeds remain true to type when plants are grown sufficiently far from other Capsicum chinense varieties to minimize cross-pollination.
Growing method
Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost, ideally beginning in early February. Soak seeds for 12 to 24 hours before sowing to encourage more uniform germination. Sow seeds about 6 mm (1/4 in) deep in moist growing mix maintained between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days but may occasionally take longer. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have 4 to 6 true leaves, then gradually harden them off before transplanting outdoors. Grow in a rich, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun for maximum production.
Soil and care
The rightconditions.
Exposure
Full sun with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a warm, sheltered location to ensure optimum fruit ripening.
Soil
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. A light growing medium that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged promotes vigorous growth.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Water regularly once the growing medium begins to dry at the surface. Avoid excess water to maintain healthy roots and abundant production.
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer during early growth, then switch to one richer in potassium once flowering begins. Feed every two to three weeks to support abundant fruit production.
Care level
Intermediate
Seasonal care
Remove damaged leaves and weed regularly around the plants. Maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering to reduce plant stress. Fertilize every two to three weeks with a potassium-rich fertilizer after flowering begins. Harvest ripe fruits regularly to encourage continued production. Remove plants before the first frost or overwinter them indoors.
Container growing
A controlledenvironment.
Recommended pot size10 to 15 L (2.5 to 4 gal)
Scorpion Orange Pepper grows exceptionally well in 10 to 15 L (2.5 to 4 gal) containers filled with rich, well-drained growing mix. Place the container in full sun in a warm, sheltered location. Water regularly to keep the growing medium slightly moist without becoming waterlogged. Fertilize every two to three weeks throughout the growing season to encourage abundant production. Containers also allow the plants to be moved easily to extend the growing season in cooler climates.
Bloom and dimensions
The completeprofile.
Bloom periodWhite flowers appear throughout summer before developing into brilliant orange fruits. They attract numerous beneficial pollinating insects.
Flower colorWhite
Foliage colorGreen
Foliage typeDeciduous
HarvestJuly to October. Harvest fruits when they become uniformly bright orange and remain firm. Always wear gloves during harvesting and preparation.
FruitingJuly to October
Growth rateFast
Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)
Garden associations
What to plantwith it.
Good companionsTomato, Basil, Cilantro
Avoid planting withAphids, Spider Mites, Whiteflies
Ideal for ultra-hot sauces, marinades, salsas, and chili powders. Excellent for greenhouses, large containers, and collector gardens. Its brilliant orange fruits also provide exceptional ornamental value.
From the gardento inspiration.
The fruits are perfect for ultra-hot sauces, marinades, spicy salsas, homemade chili powders, and other recipes for experienced chili lovers. Their sweet, fruity, tropical flavor balances their exceptional heat. Only a very small amount is needed to season an entire dish. Always wear gloves when handling fresh or processed fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Capsicum chinense varieties require consistently warm temperatures for successful germination. Seeds usually sprout in 10 to 20 days but may take longer depending on conditions. Soaking the seeds beforehand often improves germination speed and uniformity.
Yes. This variety performs exceptionally well in large containers placed in full sun. Good drainage, regular watering, and consistent fertilization encourage excellent production. Containers also make it easier to move plants when nights become cool.
Yes. It reaches approximately 1,000,000 SHU and ranks among the world's extremely hot peppers. Always wear gloves when handling the fruits and use them with great caution. Avoid contact with eyes, sensitive skin, children, and pets.
Tomatoes, basil, and cilantro are excellent companion plants because they thrive under similar growing conditions. Avoid planting near fennel and beets. A diverse garden also attracts beneficial pollinating insects.
Its strengths, naturally.
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
