Capsicum chinense

Los superhots afrutados — habanero, Scotch bonnet y los chiles más picantes del mundo, todos Capsicum chinense.
Best selling Best selling

Capsicum chinense seeds — habanero and superhot chillies

Capsicum chinense is the chilli species behind the fruity superhots — habaneros, Scotch bonnets and the record-breaking hottest chillies in the world, prized as much for their tropical, fruity flavour as their ferocious heat. It sits within our chilli pepper and wider pepper ranges. New to growing? Our vegetable growing guide covers the basics.

These need an early start and a long, warm season — the calendar shows when.

Fruity heat

Habaneros and Scotch bonnets bring searing but fruity heat to Caribbean and West African cooking. For milder, faster chillies see the Capsicum annuum types in our chilli pepper range; for no heat at all, our sweet peppers.

Growing superhots

Sow very early in warmth (around 25–30°C), be patient with germination, and grow on in a greenhouse, polytunnel or the sunniest, most sheltered spot. Feed with a high-potash feed once fruiting and let the pods colour fully for maximum heat. See all fruiting veg.

Related categories: Chilli Peppers · All Peppers · Capsicum annuum · Sweet Peppers · Fruiting Veg

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Capsicum chinense?
The chilli species behind the fruity superhots — habanero, Scotch bonnet, and the hottest chillies of all.

How is it different from Capsicum annuum?
It tends to be hotter and fruitier, slower to germinate and needs a longer, warmer season.

When should I sow?
Very early — from midwinter to early spring — in warmth, as it needs a long season to ripen.

How do I ripen superhots?
Grow in a greenhouse or the warmest, sunniest spot, feed once fruiting and let the pods colour fully.