How to Grow Black Scorpion Tongue from Seed
Dusky foliage and tongue-shaped pods running purple-black to red, often tiger-striped, with bird's eye heat and an apple-like sweetness.
Black Scorpion Tongue is grown as much for looks as for the kitchen. The foliage is dark and dusky, near purple, the flowers are purple-flushed, and the little tongue-shaped pods start glossy purple-black then run through cream, yellow and orange to a final deep red. In strong sun many develop tiger stripes on the way.
The name oversells the heat, which is a good thing. It is nowhere near the scorpions and reapers it borrows from. At 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville units it is a proper hot chilli in bird's eye territory, and behind the bite is a fruity, almost apple-like sweetness with a floral note and a good crunch.
Species
Capsicum annuum
Heat
50,000 to 100,000 SHU
Sow
February to April
Harvest
August to October
Plant Height
Around 75cm
Difficulty
Full growing method
Black Scorpion Tongue is grown like every other Capsicum annuum. Our species guide covers sowing, potting on, feeding and problems step by step.
Read the Capsicum annuum guide →About this Variety
The fruit
Tongue-shaped pods, purple-black through cream, yellow and orange to deep red.
The flavour
Upfront bite with fruity, apple-like sweetness, a floral note and a good crunch.
Full sun
Colour and striping depend on strong light. A plant in shade comes out dull.
Stake it
A bushy plant of around 75cm that crops generously; the branches get heavy.
Handling
Wash your hands after cutting the fruit, and keep it away from your eyes.
Sowing & Harvest Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌱 Sow under cover | ||||||||||||
| 🪴 Final pots | ||||||||||||
| 🌶️ Harvest |
Variety Specifications
All the drama, none of the reaper heat
Sow in spring, give it your sunniest spot, and harvest striped, sweet-hot pods through autumn.
Shop Black Scorpion Tongue Seeds →