Yellow Scotch Bonnet Seeds

Yellow Scotch Bonnet seeds need heat to germinate, so keep soil temperature at 80–90°F. Sow 1/4 inch deep, keep the medium evenly moist, and expect sprouts in 7–10 days. Start Yellow Scotch Bonnet Pepper seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date and give seedlings as much light as possible from the first day. Before moving plants outside, harden them off for 10–14 days. Start with short outdoor sessions and gradually increase the timing. Transplant only when nights stay reliably above 60°F and your soil has warmed to at least 70°F.

These peppers want full sun, at least 6–8 hours of direct light per day. If less, you will get slow growth, fewer flowers, and less heat in the fruit. Soil should be loose and well-draining, ideally a sandy loam around pH 6.5 with organic matter worked in before planting. Water deeply and consistently. Soil should be moist, but not wet. Space plants 18–24 inches apart with 24–36 inches between rows.

Feed with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer after transplanting, then switch to a lower-nitrogen 5-10-10 formula every 4–6 weeks once the plant starts setting fruit. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep soil temperature lower during summer heat. Yellow Scotch Bonnet Peppers are deer resistant and work well in containers, raised beds, and greenhouses. Harvest when the fruits have turned fully yellow and give slightly under pressure. Wear gloves — the capsaicin in Scotch Bonnet Yellow Peppers is high enough to cause skin and eye irritation even from short contact.