Photo: "Trinidad Scorpion "Moruga Blend" (C. Chinense) 8/30/10" by Christopher Phillips
· CC BY-SA 3.0
Hot pepper · Super-hot-pepper
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers
Annual · Solanaceae
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion is a deeply wrinkled red super-hot pepper known for intense heat and a slower, late-ripening season. Plants are productive once summer heat is established, but fruit can take a long time to mature fully in cooler climates. It fits growers who want a top-tier hot pepper and can give it a long, warm run.
At a Glance
Days to Maturity
80–120 days
Sun
8+ hours
full sun 8-10 hours
Spacing
18–24 "
Seed Start
10–12 weeks
before transplant
Container
Yes
5+ gallon pot
Height
2–4 ft
Zone Planting Guide
Growing Guide
Germination
Germination Time10–21 days
Optimal Temp85°F
Seed Depth0.25"
Transplanting
Min Soil Temp60°F
Harden Off7 days
Watering
Weekly Water1–2 "
NeedsConsistent
MethodDrip
Soil
pH Range6–6.8
Soil TypeLoose, fertile, well-drained loam or raised-bed mix that warms quickly in spring.
SupportStake — A single stake or small cage prevents branch breakage once fruit load builds.
Resilience
Heat: HighCold: LowDrought: Moderate
Common Problems
blossom-drop
Cause: Day temperatures above the mid-90s F or warm nights above the mid-70s F reduce pollen viability.
Prevention: Use mulch, steady irrigation, and afternoon airflow; avoid pushing soft growth with excess nitrogen.
aphids
Cause: Tender new growth and stressed plants attract sap-feeding insects that can vector virus.
Prevention: Inspect undersides of leaves, wash off early colonies, and use insecticidal or neem sprays only as needed.
leaf-spot
Cause: Humid weather and wet foliage favor bacterial and fungal spotting.
Prevention: Space well, water at soil level, and remove badly infected leaves early.
Nutrition
Feeding IntensityModerate feeder
CalciumCritical — supplement recommended
Recommended RecipesRoot drench, Silica foliar
Harvest
Harvest when fruit is fully colored, glossy, and firm; immature fruit are less sweet and less pungent.
Expected Yield0.5–1.5 lbs/plant
Storage
10 days — Store dry and unwashed in a breathable bag in the refrigerator.
Sources
seed_catalog
Terra Mater Gardens
seed_catalog
Eden Brothers
university
Utah State University Extension
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers Planting Dates by Zone
Planting dates for Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.
