C. chinense. The aptly named Trinidad Moruga Scorpion is an extremely hot pepper native to the region of Moruga in Trinidad and Tobago. It currently sits as the second hottest chilli in the world after the Carolina Reaper. Although it has clocked in at 2 million SHUs at its most potent, on average the pepper are in the 1.2 million Scoville heat units range. The smallish, puckered fruits mature from green through orange and then to a deep red, at which point the flavour is most refined and fruity. This species of pepper can be grown as a perennial in warmer climates (or heated greenhouses), or brought inside over winter.
Super hot peppers can be somewhat challenging to grow. The seeds can be difficult to germinate and they need a long, hot season to produce fruit. Start indoors early and use bottom heat and seedling domes to create the warm, humid conditions they need to germinate. Be patient as germination may take 21-28 days or longer, even under ideal conditions.
Please use extreme caution when handling the seeds and fruits!
Matures in 120 days. (Open-pollinated seeds).
- Averages 1.2 million Scoville heat units
- Matures in 120 days
- Open pollinated seeds