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Black Pearl Ornamental Pepper

Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl'

A stunning ornamental pepper with jet-black foliage and small, round berries that mature from black to red. Winner of the All-America Selections award, this compact plant serves double duty as both landscape accent and edible crop. The berries pack serious heat while adding dramatic color to gardens and containers.

Harvest

70-80 daysd

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Blossom-End Rot of Tomato

☀️

Zones

4–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Black Pearl Ornamental Pepper in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 berry →

Zone Map

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Black Pearl Ornamental Pepper · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing8-12 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil

pH6.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week, allow slight drying between waterings

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorVery hot with sharp, pungent heat

ColorBlack berries maturing to bright red

SizeSmall, 0.5 inch diameter

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	August – September
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	August – October
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	July – October
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	July – October
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	May – December
Zone 10	—	March – April	—	May – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Water: KAP-sih-kum AN-yoo-um. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 8 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits are a non-pulpy berry and vary considerably across cultivars. Some are long, thin, bright red, and spicy; others are thick, large, and sweet-tasting; others still are small and in ornamental shapes and colors, grown as decoration.

Color: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried, Showy

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Black Pearl peppers store best at room temperature for 3-5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store in a paper bag in the crisper drawer to maintain proper humidity while preventing moisture buildup that causes rot.

For long-term preservation, air-drying works exceptionally well due to the peppers' small size and thick walls. String whole peppers on thread and hang in a warm, dry area with good air circulation. They'll be fully dried in 2-3 weeks and can be ground into powder or stored whole for up to a year.

Freezing is simple – wash, dry, and place whole peppers in freezer bags. They'll keep for 6 months but lose their crisp texture (perfect for cooking). For pickling, use young black berries in small batches with a standard pepper pickle brine. The dramatic color makes striking pickled garnishes for cocktails and appetizers.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical North and South America

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Heat
+Attracts: Songbirds
+Wildlife value: Birds are immune to the capsaicin in peppers and can safely eat the fruits with no ill effects. Therefore, these plants may attract birds. Host plant for Potato Tuber Moth.
+Edible: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while enhancing pepper growth

Marigold

Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, repels squash bugs

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps

Oregano

Repels spider mites and aphids while providing ground cover

Carrots

Loosens soil for pepper roots and doesn't compete for nutrients

Chives

Repels aphids and improves pepper flavor and growth

Petunias

Natural pest deterrent against hornworms, aphids, and squash bugs

Keep Apart

Fennel

Inhibits pepper growth through allelopathic compounds

Brassicas

Compete for similar nutrients and may stunt pepper development

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that severely stunts or kills pepper plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

57kcal(3%)

Protein

0.36g(1%)

Fiber

3.1g(11%)

Carbs

15.2g(6%)

Fat

0.14g(0%)

Vitamin C

4.3mg(5%)

Vitamin A

1mcg(0%)

Vitamin K

4.4mcg(4%)

Iron

0.18mg(1%)

Calcium

9mg(1%)

Potassium

116mg(2%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169118)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good general disease resistance

Common Pests

Aphids, flea beetles, pepper weevil

Diseases

Bacterial spot, anthracnose, mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot are Black Pearl ornamental peppers?▼

Black Pearl peppers are extremely hot, rating 10,000-30,000 Scoville Heat Units. They're significantly hotter than jalapeños (2,500-8,000 SHU) and comparable to cayenne peppers. The small size concentrates the heat, so use sparingly in cooking. Always wear gloves when handling and keep away from children and pets.

Can you grow Black Pearl peppers in containers?▼

Yes, Black Pearl peppers are excellent for container growing due to their compact 18-24 inch size. Use containers at least 10-12 inches wide with drainage holes. They make stunning patio plants, combining ornamental black foliage with colorful berries. Container plants can be moved indoors before frost in colder climates.

Are Black Pearl pepper plants perennial?▼

Black Pearl peppers are perennial in warm climates (zones 9-11) but are typically grown as annuals in most regions. Container plants can be overwintered indoors in a sunny location. Plants may go dormant in winter but often resume growth in spring with proper care and adequate light.

When do Black Pearl peppers turn from black to red?▼

Black Pearl berries typically transition from black to red 1-2 weeks after reaching full size, usually 75-85 days from transplant. The berries start jet black and gradually develop red coloring, creating a striking two-tone effect on the plant. Both stages are edible, with red berries being slightly hotter.

Is Black Pearl pepper good for beginners?▼

Black Pearl is considered easy to grow and suitable for beginners, earning an 'Easy' difficulty rating. The main requirements are warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and avoiding overwatering. Its compact size and ornamental value make it forgiving for new gardeners, and it provides quick results within 70-80 days.

How long does it take to grow Black Pearl peppers?▼

Black Pearl peppers take 70-80 days from transplant to first harvest, or about 4-5 months total from seed. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors when soil reaches 65°F. The plants will continue producing berries throughout the growing season with regular harvesting.