• Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli peppers in various shades of red and purple against a gray background.
  • Black Scorpion Tongue chilli plant growing in garden, showcasing small dark pods and lush green leaves.
  • Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli peppers with varying shades of red and dark purple, showcasing unique pod shapes on a light background.
  • Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli plant with small dark pod and green leaves in a garden setting.
  • Two Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli peppers, one red and one dark, showcasing the unique colors of this Capsicum Annuum variety.
  • Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli plant with small dark pods growing in a garden.
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Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden

Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli

£2.99
£2.99
Tax included.

The Black Scorpion Tongue chilli pepper is a rare and visually striking variety from the Capsicum annuum species. It’s prized for its unusual appearance, which includes deep purple-black foliage, dramatic purple flowers, and small curved fruits that resemble a scorpion’s sting or tongue — hence its name. The pods mature from black or dark purple to a bright, fiery red and deliver a medium-to-hot heat estimated between 30,000–50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This variety is both ornamental and edible.

The Black Scorpion Tongue chilli is an eye-catching and productive pepper. With its rare dark foliage, vivid purple flowers, and wicked-looking black-to-red fruits, it stands out in any setting. It offers a rewarding combination of ornamental beauty and culinary heat, making it an excellent choice for containers, borders, or hot pepper collections.

Quantity of Seeds 10 seeds per packet
Origin USA
Genus Capsicum Annuum
Scoville Rating/Heat Level Medium-to-hot, typically 30,000–50,000 SHU — similar to cayenne but sharper.
Plant Size Typically 40–60 cm (16–24 inches), sometimes up to 70 cm (28 inches).  Upright, bushy, and compact; excellent for containers.  Dark purple to black leaves that intensify under full sun, adding striking ornamental value.  Beautiful purple, star-shaped flowers that stand out against the dark foliage.  Very prolific; produces clusters of 10–30 small chillies per plant over a long season.
Pod Size Small, thin, slightly curved pods that resemble a scorpion’s tail or tongue; about 3–5 cm (1.2–2 inches) long.  Starts deep black or purple, then ripens to bright red.  Thin-walled and slightly wrinkled, with a crisp bite when fresh.
Flavour Described as crunchy, slightly sweet, with a hint of apple.  Fruity, slightly smoky, and earthy with a sharp, penetrating heat. The flavour balances between ornamental and culinary use.  Great for fresh use in salsas, hot sauces, or as a garnish. Can also be dried and ground into a medium-hot powder. Due to its striking look, it’s often used in edible decorations or as a conversation piece in gardens.
Growing Conditions

Plant seeds about ¼ inch (0.5 cm) deep in a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix.  Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date.  Maintain consistent warmth: 24–28°C (75–82°F) using a heat mat if necessary.  Cover trays with a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity; vent daily to prevent mold.  Expect germination in 10–21 days, though some seeds may take up to 28 days.  Transplant seedlings when they have at least 4–6 true leaves and when nighttime temperatures stay above 15°C (59°F). Harden off plants over 7–10 days before placing outdoors.  Space plants 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. In containers, use pots at least 2–3 gallons in size.  Keep soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. Allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.  Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) during vegetative growth, then switch to a bloom booster with higher potassium and phosphorus once flowering begins.

All plants are grown on our farm in Norfolk, UK and are grown in an open pollinated area.
      Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli peppers in various shades of red and purple against a gray background.
      Black Scorpion Tongue chilli plant growing in garden, showcasing small dark pods and lush green leaves.
      Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli peppers with varying shades of red and dark purple, showcasing unique pod shapes on a light background.
      Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli plant with small dark pod and green leaves in a garden setting.
      Two Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli peppers, one red and one dark, showcasing the unique colors of this Capsicum Annuum variety.
      Black Scorpion Tongue Chilli plant with small dark pods growing in a garden.