The Trinidad Moruga scorpion (Capsicum chinense) is a chili pepper native to the village of Moruga, Trinidad and Tobago. It is one of the spiciest chilies in the world. In 2012, New Mexico State University's Chile Pepper Institute identified the Trinidad Moruga scorpion as the hottest chili at that time, with heat of 1.2 million Scoville heat units (SHUs). In 2017 according to Guinness World Records, the hottest pepper was the Carolina Reaper, with 1.6 million SHU

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut or fold a paper towel so that it fits in the bottom of the plastic container.

2. Place the seed(s) on the surface of the paper towel that lines the bottom of the plastic container.

3. Place a second paper towel cutout over the seed(s) so that the seed(s) are in between the two paper towels.

4. Add just enough water to the paper towels in the plastic container so that the towels are thoroughly damp. Do not add enough water to allow for standing water (not absorbed by the paper towels) in the bottom of the plastic container.

5. Place the plastic dish on a window seal or similar location. You want the container to receive ample sunlight to allow for successful seed germination. Additionally, ensure that the container remains in an environment with temperatures between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. It is important to check on the seed(s) throughout the day to ensure that the paper towels are saturated with water. If the seed(s) are not between wet paper towels, they will dry out and germination will not occur. Thus, check the plastic container a few times a day, ensuring that the towels are damp.

7. The seeds will start to sprout after approximately 1-3 weeks of being soaked between the paper towels.

8. Once the seeds have sprouted, you are ready for the next step: planting!

PLANTING:

1. Prepare the growing containers by filling the Styrofoam cups with potting soil. The cups should be filled so that there is about a half inch of remaining space at the top of the cup.

2. Using a pencil or similar object, poke a hole in the dirt in the center of the cup that extends down about a half inch.

3. Gently place the sprouting seed in the hole, making sure that the direction of the sprout (the root) is facing downward.

4. Cover the sprout lightly with dirt, and add enough water to dampen the soil.