• Black Pearl Chilli plant with dark foliage and small black peppers in a garden setting.
  • Five Black Pearl Chilli peppers, three black and two red, showcasing their unique colour and size on a white background.
  • Hand holding ripe black and red Black Pearl Chilli peppers, known for their 10,000–30,000 SHU heat level, small round pods.
  • Black Pearl Chilli plant with dark foliage and purple flowers in a pot, known for spicy peppers and ornamental appeal.
  • Hand holding Black Pearl Chilli pods, showcasing dark and red pods from Capsicum Annuum, known for 10,000-30,000 SHU heat.
  • Black Pearl Chili plant with dark purple foliage and small purple flowers, Capsicum Annuum growing in a garden setting.
  • Hand holding Black Pearl Chilli seeds displaying small red and dark pods, Capsicum Annuum variety.
  • Black Pearl and red chili peppers on a white background, showcasing different stages of chilli ripeness.
  • Black Pearl Chilli pods in various colours, showcasing unique capsicum annuum variety with 10,000-30,000 SHU heat.
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Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden

Black Pearl Chilli

£2.99
£2.99
Tax included.

The Black Pearl chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) is an award-winning ornamental chilli pepper, prized for its striking appearance and surprising culinary potential. Developed by the USDA, it’s known for its glossy black-purple foliage, dramatic black-to-red fruits, and compact, mounding habit. While mainly grown for ornamental use, its small round chillies pack a respectable heat punch at around 30,000–50,000 SHU, comparable to cayenne peppers. It’s a stunning choice for borders, containers, or edible landscaping.

The Black Pearl chilli pepper is a showstopper in both ornamental and edible gardens. With its dramatic black foliage, jewel-like fruits, and respectable heat, it offers beauty and bite in one package. Perfect for gardeners looking to combine form and function, this plant will thrive with just moderate care and plenty of sunlight.

Quantity of Seeds 10 seeds per packet
Origin USA
Genus Capsicum Annuum
Scoville Rating/Heat Level

Moderate to fairly hot, typically around 30,000–50,000 SHU.
Plant Size

Around 30–45 cm (12–18 inches).  Compact, rounded, mounding shape — highly ornamental.  Deep black-purple, almost glossy leaves that maintain colour all season, especially under full sun.  Small, star-shaped, purple flowers that add extra ornamental value.
Pod Size Small, round or slightly oval berries, about 1–1.5 cm (0.4–0.6 inches) in diameter.  Black (deep purple) → ruby red at full maturity.  Thin-walled, slightly crunchy when fresh.
Flavour Mildly fruity and earthy with a sharp, cayenne-like heat. While often grown ornamentally, they can be used fresh, dried, or in hot sauces — but handle with caution, as the small fruits carry surprising heat.  Best for ornamental edging, edible landscaping, or container gardens. For culinary use, they can be added sparingly to salsas, pickles, sauces, or dried into powders.
Growing Conditions

Sow seeds about ¼ inch (0.5 cm) deep in a fine-textured seed-starting mix.  Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost.  Maintain soil temperatures between 24–28°C (75–82°F); a heat mat improves success.  Keep humidity high (use a plastic dome or bag), but allow daily ventilation.  Once seedlings have 4–6 true leaves and nighttime temperatures stay above 15°C (59°F), transplant into beds or containers. Harden off over 7–10 days.  Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.  Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) during vegetative growth, switching to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium when flowering begins.

All plants are grown on our farm in Norfolk, UK and are grown in an open pollinated area.
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    Black Pearl Chilli plant with dark foliage and small black peppers in a garden setting.
    Five Black Pearl Chilli peppers, three black and two red, showcasing their unique colour and size on a white background.
    Hand holding ripe black and red Black Pearl Chilli peppers, known for their 10,000–30,000 SHU heat level, small round pods.
    Black Pearl Chilli plant with dark foliage and purple flowers in a pot, known for spicy peppers and ornamental appeal.
    Hand holding Black Pearl Chilli pods, showcasing dark and red pods from Capsicum Annuum, known for 10,000-30,000 SHU heat.
    Black Pearl Chili plant with dark purple foliage and small purple flowers, Capsicum Annuum growing in a garden setting.
    Hand holding Black Pearl Chilli seeds displaying small red and dark pods, Capsicum Annuum variety.
    Black Pearl and red chili peppers on a white background, showcasing different stages of chilli ripeness.
    Black Pearl Chilli pods in various colours, showcasing unique capsicum annuum variety with 10,000-30,000 SHU heat.