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Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T'

Capsicum chinense 'Trinidad Scorpion Butch T'

One of the world's hottest peppers, this Trinidad native delivers scorching heat that builds intensity like a venomous sting. The wrinkled, tail-like pods ripen to a brilliant red and pack serious firepower for hot sauce makers and extreme heat enthusiasts. Despite the intimidating heat, these peppers offer a fruity, almost floral flavor underneath the burn.

Harvest

90-100d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Blossom-End Rot of Tomato

☀️

Zones

10–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-30 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T' · Zones 10–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Difficult

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-draining sandy loam with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent but not waterlogged

SeasonWarm season

FlavorIntensely hot (1,463,700 Scoville) with fruity, citrus undertones

ColorBright red when mature

Size1-2 inches long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – April	June – July	—	September – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	—	September – October
Zone 5	March – March	May – June	—	September – October
Zone 6	March – March	May – June	—	August – October
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	—	August – October
Zone 8	February – February	April – May	—	July – September
Zone 9	January – January	March – April	—	June – August
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	—	June – August

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: KAP-sih-kum chy-NEN-see. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits are a non-pulpy berry and vary considerably across cultivars in shape and color. Many tend to have a lumpy, crinkled appearance compared to other species. They contain high capsaicin levels.

Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy, White. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried, Showy

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T' peppers store best at room temperature for 3-5 days or refrigerated for up to two weeks in a paper bag (never plastic, which traps moisture and causes rot). For longer storage, these peppers excel at preservation methods that concentrate their heat.

Freezing is the simplest method – wash, dry completely, and freeze whole peppers in freezer bags. Frozen peppers work perfectly for hot sauce making but lose their crisp texture. For drying, string whole peppers on heavy thread and hang in a dry, well-ventilated area for 4-6 weeks, or use a dehydrator at 125°F for 12-24 hours until completely brittle.

Fermenting creates complex flavors that complement the pepper's natural fruitiness. Chop peppers and ferment in 3% salt brine for 2-4 weeks before processing into hot sauce. Always work in well-ventilated areas and avoid touching your face when processing – the capsaicin concentration in preserved forms is even more intense than fresh peppers.

History & Origin

Origin: Bolivia, northern Brazil, and Peru

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Heat
+Attracts: Songbirds
+Wildlife value: Birds are immune to the capsaicin in peppers and can safely eat the fruits with no ill effects. Therefore, these plants may attract birds.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially enhancing pepper flavor

Marigold

Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural pest-repelling compounds

Oregano

Repels aphids and provides ground cover while attracting beneficial insects

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control pests

Carrots

Loosens soil with deep taproot and doesn't compete for nutrients

Onions

Repels aphids, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects with sulfur compounds

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting predatory insects

Spinach

Provides living mulch and cool-season harvest without competing for space

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Releases juglone toxin that inhibits pepper growth and fruit production

Fennel

Produces allelopathic compounds that stunt pepper growth and development

Brassicas

Compete heavily for nutrients and may attract pests that also damage peppers

Nutrition Facts

Calories

27kcal(1%)

Protein

1.66g(3%)

Fiber

3.4g(12%)

Carbs

5.35g(2%)

Fat

0.45g(1%)

Vitamin C

82.7mg(92%)

Vitamin A

17mcg(2%)

Vitamin K

9.5mcg(8%)

Iron

0.46mg(3%)

Calcium

14mg(1%)

Potassium

256mg(5%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169394)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to bacterial leaf spot and pepper mottle virus

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites, thrips, pepper weevil

Diseases

Bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, phytophthora blight

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Trinidad Scorpion Butch T take to grow from seed?▼

Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T' takes 120-140 days total from seed to harvest. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost (seeds take 14-28 days to germinate), then 90-100 days from transplant to harvest. In short-season climates, use season extenders like row covers or grow in greenhouses to ensure full maturity.

Is Trinidad Scorpion Butch T good for beginners?▼

No, Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T' is rated as difficult and not recommended for beginners. It requires precise temperature control for germination, long growing seasons, careful fertilizing, and extreme safety precautions when handling. New gardeners should start with easier hot peppers like jalapeños or serranos before attempting superhots.

Can you grow Trinidad Scorpion Butch T in containers?▼

Yes, but use very large containers (20+ gallons) as these plants reach 4-5 feet tall and wide. Ensure excellent drainage with holes and use quality potting mix. Container plants need more frequent watering and fertilizing. In northern climates, containers allow moving plants indoors during cold snaps to extend the growing season.

What does Trinidad Scorpion Butch T taste like?▼

Beyond the extreme 1,463,700 Scoville heat, Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T' offers fruity, almost floral flavor notes with citrus undertones. The initial taste is surprisingly pleasant before the intense heat builds. The complex flavor makes it prized for gourmet hot sauces, though the heat can overwhelm the taste for most people.

How hot is Trinidad Scorpion Butch T compared to other peppers?▼

At 1,463,700 Scoville units, Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T' is roughly 200 times hotter than jalapeños (2,500-8,000 SHU) and significantly hotter than habaneros (100,000-350,000 SHU). It briefly held the world record for hottest pepper in 2011, now ranking among the top 5 hottest varieties worldwide, just below the current record-holder Carolina Reaper.

When should I plant Trinidad Scorpion Butch T seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date. In most climates, this means January-February for northern zones and February-March for southern zones. Seeds need consistent 80-85°F temperatures and take 14-28 days to germinate. Transplant outdoors only after soil temperatures reach 65°F consistently.