Hot pepper 'Biquinho Black'
Produces abundant decorative, flavorful, mildly hot fruits suitable for a wide range of recipes. Its compact habit makes it equally suitable for garden beds and containers.
identification
description
Biquinho Black Hot Pepper (Capsicum chinense) is a rare and intriguing member of the Biquinho family, prized for its small teardrop-shaped fruits and their deep purple, almost black color. As the fruits mature, they may develop into a deep red, adding a mysterious and sophisticated touch to vegetable gardens, containers, and culinary presentations. Mildly hot, with an intensity of 500 to 1,000 SHU, this variety is appreciated primarily for its rich aromatic flavor. The compact, highly productive plant reaches about 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in) in height and produces abundant miniature fruits throughout the growing season.
Biquinho Black Hot Pepper grows best in full sun, in rich, fertile, well-drained soil, with regular watering that avoids waterlogging. Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost, maintaining temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. Once seedlings develop 4 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots before gradually hardening them off outdoors. After all danger of frost has passed, space plants 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) apart in the garden. Compost and mulch help maintain consistent soil moisture.
In the garden, Biquinho Black Hot Pepper is ideal for small spaces, patio containers, collector gardens, and decorative edible landscapes where a mild, productive, and highly original variety is desired. It grows well alongside tomatoes, basil, and cilantro, while benefiting from being kept away from fennel and beets. Its flowers may attract pollinators, while its intensely fruity, sweet, lightly smoky fruits are perfect for pickles, fermented recipes, jams, sweet-and-spicy sauces, exotic dishes, grilled meats, and aged cheeses.
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