Butch T Seeds

Sting of the Scorpion

The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T is one of the defining superhots of the last decade, and still one of the fiercest chillies you can grow from seed.

It’s a refined strain of Trinidad Scorpion, stabilised by Butch Taylor, and known for its unusually high concentration of pith — the part of the pod where most of the heat is stored. That’s what gives the Butch T its reputation for consistent, aggressive heat.

From seed, it behaves much like other chinense types: slow to germinate, slow to get going, and then suddenly vigorous when the roots establish.

The plants develop a strong, branching structure and produce heavy, knotted pods that ripen from green to deep red. Many pods develop the classic Scorpion “tail”, though not all — which is normal for this variety.

The heat is extreme and immediate, but there’s a flavour under it that’s genuinely interesting: sharp, fruity and slightly sweet before the burn overruns everything.

It’s a favourite for hot-sauce makers because it delivers both intensity and a clean, bright flavour.

The Butch T held the Guinness World Record in 2012 at 1,463,700 SHU and remains one of the most stable, reliable superhots to grow. In the UK it needs warmth and a long season, so greenhouse or polytunnel growing is strongly recommended.

Given the right conditions, it’s an impressively productive plant and easily earns its place in any serious chilli grower’s collection.

For a quicker start, I also grow Butch T plug plants, ready to pot on.