Trinidad Moruga Scorpion

Hot Pepper

Zone 11b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Trinidad Moruga Scorpion

🌱 110d to harvest Upright

Fragrant, fiery, and unmistakably bold—Trinidad Moruga Scorpion brings a dramatic rush of heat with a complex, smoky-sweet edge t…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 6th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	Jun 16th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Capsicum chinense (Trinidad Moruga Scorpion), and how can I control it at home?

Watch for aphids and spider mites, which thrive on hot peppers and can cause leaf curling and stippling. Rinse plants with a strong spray of water, then spray insecticidal soap (especially the undersides) every 5–7 days until you stop seeing new damage. If you notice dark, water-soaked lesions or damping off in seedlings, discard affected seedlings and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

How often should I water Trinidad Moruga Scorpion during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruiting (roughly after the plant is established), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for watering when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Deep-water so moisture reaches the root zone, and avoid letting it swing to bone-dry, which can lead to blossom drop and small, stressed pods. Consistent moisture is especially important because Capsicum chinense produces peppers over a long season.

How do I tell when Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pods are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the pods reach full size and the color turns to the characteristic mature red (typically around 110 days from transplant, depending on conditions). Pods should feel firm and glossy; if they’re still green and thin, they’re not fully developed. Use gloves and cut the stems—don’t pull—because the plant produces extremely hot, easily damaged peppers.

Fragrant, fiery, and unmistakably bold—Trinidad Moruga Scorpion brings a dramatic rush of heat with a complex, smoky-sweet edge that lingers like embers. At maturity, the peppers hang in rugged, wrinkled pods that feel thick-skinned and ridged to the touch, their color shifting through deep green to vivid orange and finally blazing red. Grow for the intense punch that makes it a standout in fiery sauces, chile-forward pastes, and bold pickling projects where flavor and heat must both speak loudly.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Give extra time for slow heat-build and keep plants warm and evenly moist; colder spells often delay flowering even if plants survive.