Trinidad Scorpion Butch T
Capsicum chinense — 1,463,700 SHU (avg)
The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T held the Guinness World Record as the world's hottest pepper from February to August 2012, with a tested average of 1,463,700 SHU. Named after Butch Taylor of Zydeco Farms, it produces characteristic scorpion-tailed fruits with extreme, long-lasting heat and the fruity complexity typical of the Chinense family.
🔥 Heat Scale
🌱 How to Grow Trinidad Scorpion Butch T
8+ hours daily. Tropical origin — greenhouse essential in any climate below subtropical.
25–35°C ideal. Tolerates heat extremely well but is very sensitive to cold.
Consistent moisture throughout. Allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings — never waterlog.
20–25L minimum. A large, vigorous plant that produces better in bigger containers.
Weekly high-potassium feed from first flower. Feed consistently throughout the long season.
Essential for a meaningful harvest in cooler climates. Year-two plants fruit far earlier.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Superhot seeds require 30–35°C consistent heat
Fix: Heat mat mandatory, allow 4–6 weeks, use perlite/vermiculite
Cause: Temperature fluctuations or extreme heat above 35°C
Fix: Shade afternoon sun, mist flowers, stable conditions
Cause: Suboptimal growing conditions reduce tail elongation
Fix: Maximise warmth and sun — the tail develops best in ideal conditions
Cause: Hot dry greenhouse conditions
Fix: Increase humidity, neem oil spray, predatory mites
❓ Common Questions
Is Butch T hotter than Carolina Reaper?
The Butch T held the world record in 2012 at an average 1,463,700 SHU before being surpassed. The Carolina Reaper's average is higher, but individual Butch T fruits have tested comparably at their upper range.
Who is "Butch T"?
Butch Taylor of Zydeco Farms in Mississippi, USA. He grew and propagated this Trinidad Scorpion variant and submitted it for official Guinness testing in 2012.
What does Butch T taste like?
Fruity, tropical, and intensely aromatic in the first moment — then extreme heat that builds for several minutes and lingers for up to 30 minutes. Typical of the best Chinense varieties in flavour.
How do I grow Trinidad Scorpion Butch T?
Same as all superhots — start early (January), heat mat for germination, greenhouse preferred, large containers, overwinter for best results. Long season required — 90–120 days from transplant.
