Trinidad Morugo Scorpion Pepper

5 Seeds

Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper is one of the hottest chili peppers in the world, with heat levels ranging from 1,200,000 to over 2,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It requires a long growing season, warm temperatures, and protection from extreme summer heat. It grows exceptionally well in the Gulf during the cooler months and is ideal for gardens, containers, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.

Best Planting Time

• August to October (recommended)
• January to February (for protected greenhouse cultivation)
• Avoid transplanting outdoors when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 40°C.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in warm water (28–30°C) for 12–24 hours before sowing.
• Optional: soak in diluted seaweed extract or chamomile tea to encourage faster germination.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Coco peat
• 30% Compost
• 20% Garden soil
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or nursery pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 28–32°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 22–32°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• During hot Gulf afternoons, provide 30–40% shade cloth.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
• Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid overwatering and poor drainage.

Germination Time

• 14–30 days
• Some seeds may require up to 40 days, especially in cooler conditions.

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings when they have:
  • 4–6 true leaves
  • Height of 15–20 cm
• Space plants:
  • 50–60 cm apart
• Space rows:
  • 75–90 cm apart

Harvesting

• Fruits are ready:
  • 120–150 days after sowing
• Harvest when peppers become fully bright red and slightly wrinkled.
• Always wear gloves and avoid touching your face or eyes when handling the peppers.

Gulf Climate Tips

• August to October is the ideal planting season in the Gulf.
• Apply organic mulch to keep the root zone cool and reduce moisture loss.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus during flowering and fruiting.
• Ensure good air circulation and provide shade during extreme heat.
• Trinidad Moruga Scorpion performs exceptionally well in greenhouses and hydroponic systems with controlled irrigation and nutrition.