Start seeds indoors approximately 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost, usually in early February. Temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F) encourage rapid germination. Soaking the seeds beforehand may further improve germination success.
Quantity
About 10 seeds
Exposure
Full sun in a very warm, sheltered location. At least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily are essential for excellent production.
Difficulty level
Intermediate
Discover the plant
Family
Solanaceae
Type
Hot Pepper
Cycle
Annual in Canada
Internal product code
FEGAR-0046
Hot Pepper ‘Scorpion Jaune’ (Capsicum chinense) is a bright and formidable variation of the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, prized for its round, slightly bumpy fruits that ripen from green to vivid yellow. Their brilliant color adds strong ornamental value to vegetable gardens, containers, and warm patios. The vigorous, productive plant can reach approximately 1.2 m (4 ft) tall and produces abundant harvests throughout the season. Grown as an annual in Canada, this pepper develops extreme heat of around 850,000 SHU, with a slow-building burn that becomes intense and persistent.
Hot Pepper ‘Scorpion Jaune’ requires a warm, long, and attentive growing season in full sun, in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors in early February, approximately 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost, at a constant temperature of 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days and may sometimes take longer. Soaking seeds for 12 to 24 hours before sowing may help. Once seedlings develop 4 to 6 true leaves, transplant them before gradually hardening them off outdoors. Moderate watering, consistent moisture, and fertilization every two to three weeks encourage strong production.
In the garden, this pepper is ideal for collector vegetable gardens, greenhouses, large containers of at least 10 L (2.5 gal), and warm microclimates where an extended harvest is desired. It grows well alongside tomatoes, basil, and cilantro, while benefiting from being planted away from fennel and beets. Its flowers may attract pollinators, while its yellow fruits with fruity, lightly sweet notes are intended for hot sauces, salsas, exotic marinades, powders, and extremely spicy dishes. Wear gloves when handling the fruits and avoid contact with the eyes, face, sensitive skin, children, and pets.
Sowing guide
From packetto germination.
Sowing periodIndoor sowing in early February
Best timeStart indoors in early February; transplant outdoors after the last frost.
Sowing depth0.5 cm (1/4 in)
Germination temperature25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F)
Germination time10 to 20 days
PropagationPropagated primarily from seed. Seeds collected from fully ripe fruits can be dried and stored for future sowings.
Growing method
Start seeds indoors approximately 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost, usually in early February in Canada. Soaking the seeds for 12 to 24 hours before sowing may improve germination speed. Sow in a light, moist, well-drained seed-starting mix maintained at a constant temperature of 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light to encourage compact, vigorous growth. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop 4 to 6 true leaves. Gradually harden plants off before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Grow in rich, fertile, well-drained soil.
Soil and care
The rightconditions.
Exposure
Full sun in a very warm, sheltered location. At least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily are essential for excellent production.
Soil
Rich, fertile, loose, very well-drained soil enriched with compost before planting. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Water regularly without saturating the soil. Allow the surface of the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings to reduce the risk of root problems.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then switch to one higher in potassium during fruit production. Container-grown plants benefit from regular feeding throughout the season.
Care level
Intermediate
Seasonal care
Start seeds under warm conditions in spring for rapid germination. Transplant seedlings once several true leaves have developed. After the last frost, gradually harden plants off before moving them outdoors. Throughout summer, water regularly without overwatering, fertilize every two to three weeks, and maintain a layer of mulch to conserve soil moisture. Harvest ripe peppers frequently to encourage continued production until the first frost.
Container growing
A controlledenvironment.
Recommended pot sizeMinimum 10 L (2.5 gal)
Yellow Scorpion Hot Pepper grows exceptionally well in large containers when provided with plenty of warmth and excellent drainage. Use a container of at least 10 L (2.5 gal) filled with rich vegetable growing mix. Place the plant where it receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Regular watering without overwatering, light mulching, and fertilization every two to three weeks encourage abundant harvests. Growing in containers also makes it easy to move the plant to extend the growing season in Canada.
Bloom and dimensions
The completeprofile.
Bloom periodSmall white flowers bloom throughout summer and attract numerous beneficial pollinating insects.
Flower colorWhite
Foliage colorMedium Green
Foliage typeDeciduous
HarvestHarvest when the fruits become uniformly bright yellow and fully developed. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production.
FruitingRound, slightly bumpy fruits ripening from green to brilliant yellow.
Growth rateFast
Minimum temperature12°C (54°F)
Garden associations
What to plantwith it.
Good companionsTomato, Basil, Cilantro
Avoid planting withAvoid planting near fennel and beets, as they may reduce the plant's vigor and overall development.
Excellent for hot sauces, salsas, exotic marinades, chili powders, infused oils, and extremely spicy dishes. Use with extreme caution because of its exceptional heat.
From the gardento inspiration.
Yellow Scorpion Hot Pepper is ideal for extremely hot sauces, exotic marinades, salsas, chili powders, infused oils, and intensely spicy dishes. Despite its exceptional heat, it develops highly sought-after fruity and lightly sweet notes. Only a very small amount is needed to flavor an entire recipe. The fruits can also be dehydrated, fermented, or frozen for long-term use.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
It reaches approximately 850,000 SHU. Its heat is extremely intense, slow-building, and long-lasting. It is recommended only for experienced hot pepper enthusiasts.
Yes. Wearing gloves during harvesting and food preparation is strongly recommended to prevent contact with the eyes, face, or sensitive skin. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling the fruits.
Yes. This variety performs exceptionally well in containers of at least 10 L (2.5 gal) placed in a very warm, sunny location. Container growing also makes it easier to control growing conditions in Canadian climates.
Harvest when the peppers become uniformly bright yellow and fully developed. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production until the first frost.
Its strengths, naturally.
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
