Black Pearl Ornamental Pepper

The first of its kind for ornamental peppers and an All American Selection winner in 2006. Compact plants have semi-glossy, dark purple to true black leaves with pearl-like, bubbly clusters of 1/2" fruits that start out shiny black, eventually maturing to red. A vibrant, unique accent to a bedding or container garden. Peppers are edible but very hot. Grows 16-20 inches. 

5 seeds  

PLANTING

Germination: 7-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 75-85ºF. Cooler soil temperatures slow germination time.

Seed Sowing Depth: ¼” deep

Starting Indoors:  8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow in flats/cells/pots. Provide 75-85ºF soil temperatures. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer (diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement). Transplant seedlings 18-24” apart after the last frost.

Sowing Outdoors: Not recommended, especially in northern areas

Harvest: Use a sharp instrument to cut the peppers from the plant. Pick the first fruits when they reach usable size, this helps accelerate the growth of the other peppers on the plant. Leave some peppers on the plant to mature so they can change color and sweeten up.

Tips: Pinch-off early flowers or tiny fruit on any seedlings before placing them in the ground. Plant in fertile soil, amend with compost if needed. It helps to use row cover early in the season, giving the plants extra warmth, especially in the north. Side dress when flowers begin to form.