If you’re a fan of hot peppers and looking for a challenge, growing Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Peppers from seed may be just the thing for you! These peppers are known for their extreme heat and popularity among hot pepper enthusiasts. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through growing these fiery peppers, from planting the seeds to harvesting the fruit. Get ready to spice up your garden and your taste buds!
Introduction to Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Peppers
The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Pepper (also called the Trinidad Moruga scorpion pepper) is the world’s hottest pepper and was first discovered in the backyard garden of an Australian named Butch Taylor in 2011. This hybrid pepper was created by crossing a Trinidad Scorpion with a Red Naga and has been awarded the title of the world’s hottest pepper three times by Guinness World Records. With a Scoville rating of 1,463,700, this fiery pepper is 400 times hotter than a Jalapeno and 400 times hotter than pure capsaicin. Despite its intense heat, the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Pepper can be used in cooking to add some spice to your dishes.
Facts about Trinidad Scorpion Peppers
- Scoville heat units (SHU): 800,000 – 1,463,700 SHU
- Median heat: 1,131,850 SHU
- Origin: Australia
- Capsicum species: Chinese
- Jalapeño peppers are a popular culinary ingredient. They measure 100 to 585 on the Scoville scale, making them relatively mild compared to other chili peppers.
- Jalapeños are usually 1 to 2 inches long and have a bulbous, pock-marked appearance with a stinger-like tail.
- Despite their heat, jalapeños have a sweet, fruity flavour, making them a versatile ingredient in many dishes, from salsas and guacamole to nachos and burgers.
- The Trinidad Scorpion Pepper is so hot that it is used in several chili sauce companies. Its pointed ends resemble a scorpion’s stinger, hence the name.
- This pepper is so hot that protective gear may be necessary while using it in your food. Without gloves, you may have to endure intense heat for a couple of days, and if you eat the pepper, you can feel your mouth going numb.
How Pungent is Trinidad Scorpion Peppers?
Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” peppers are incredibly spicy and not to be eaten raw or without dilution. They can reach over 1.4 million Scoville heat units (SHU) at their peak, making them 100 to 585 times more pungent than a jalapeño. While some “Butch T” falls within the range of 800,000 to 1,000,000 SHU, many are hotter than the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, which typically ranges from 1.2 to 1.3 million SHU, though it can reach close to 2 million SHU. It’s essential to handle these peppers with extreme caution.
Trinidad Scorpion Pepper Uses
- Alleviating symptoms of skin diseases like psoriasis, inflammation, and itching.
- Suppressing appetite, according to some studies.
- Preventing the growth of prostate cancer cells.
- Relieving arthritis pain and neuropathic pain.
- Treating ear infections and heartburn.
- These peppers can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle when used appropriately. Caution should be exercised when handling and consuming them due to their high spiciness.
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What are the Distinctive Appearance and Taste of Trinidad Scorpion Peppers?
The Butch T name comes from the nickname of the pepper’s creator, Butch Taylor, who founded Zydeco Hot Sauce. The T stands for Trinidad, where the pepper was initially developed. Trinidad Scorpion peppers, including the “Butch T” strain, have a bulbous, wrinkled appearance with a pronounced stinger. They mature from green to red and have a fruity taste followed by intense spiciness that hits fast and dominates the flavour.
How to Grow Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Peppers from Seed
Getting Started With Trinidad Scorpion Pepper Germination
Material Needed
- Small (approximately 12Oz) Styrofoam cup
- Potting soil
- Paper towel
- Plastic container
- Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper seeds
- Latex gloves
Germinating the Seeds
- Cut or fold a paper towel to fit the bottom of the plastic container.
- Place the seeds on the surface of the paper towel that lines the container bottom.
- Place a second paper towel over the seeds so that they are sandwiched between the two paper towels.
- Add water to dampen the paper towels thoroughly, but do not allow standing water in the bottom of the container.
- Place the plastic container on a sunny window sill or in a similar location with temperatures between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check the container daily to ensure the paper towels are damp.
- Seeds will start to sprout in 1-3 weeks.
- Once the seeds have sprouted, they are ready to be planted in a Styrofoam cup filled with potting soil.
Note: Remember to wear latex gloves when handling the seeds to avoid skin irritation.
Planting of Trinidad Scorpion Pepper
- Prepare the growing containers by filling Styrofoam cups with potting soil, leaving half an inch of space at the top of the cup.
- Using a pencil, poke a hole about half an inch deep in the center of the soil.
- Gently place the sprouted seed in the hole with the root facing down.
- Cover the sprout lightly with soil and water.
- Place the cups in a sunny area, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Keep the plants in a warm, sunny spot and maintain soil moisture as they grow.
- After 3-4 weeks, the plants will have grown a few inches tall and can be transplanted into larger containers or outdoors in a garden bed.
Growing and Care for Trinidad Scorpion Pepper
- After planting, the seeds should sprout from the soil within one to two weeks. Check the plant daily for pests and diseases, and moisten the soil.
- The minimum growing temperature for Trinidad Scorpion Pepper is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant inside in a warm spot, ideally between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the plant on a sunny window sill or another location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily (up to 12 hours is ideal).
- As the plant grows, consider staking it to keep it upright. Once it reaches maturity in two to three months, it will begin producing fruit.
- Fertilize the plant every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer, and keep the soil moist but not saturated.
- Harvest the peppers when they turn red and are fully ripe. Handle them with care and use gloves, as the Trinidad Scorpion Pepper is the hottest pepper in the world.
Harvesting of Trinidad Scorpion Pepper
- When the plant reaches maturity in two to three months, it will produce Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Peppers that are ready to harvest when they turn completely red.
- Use scissors/Knives to cut the stem of the pepper. Wear gloves when handling them as they are one of the hottest peppers and can cause skin irritation and burns.
- Harvesting the peppers regularly is essential to encourage the plant to continue producing more peppers. If peppers are left on the plant for a lengthy period, they will ultimately fall off, and the plant will cease to produce new fruit.
- Once harvested, the peppers can be used fresh or dried for later use in cooking or making hot sauce.
In case you missed it: Hydroponic Chilli Pepper Farming in a Greenhouse: Key Rules to Start from Scratch
Conclusion
Growing Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Peppers from seeds is a rewarding experience. Follow the steps from germination, planting, and caring for the plant to harvesting. Remember to wear gloves when handling the peppers. Enjoy the spicy flavour of your homegrown peppers in your favourite dishes!
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