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Close view of several round, glossy ‘Black Pearl’ fruits clustered on the plant. The nearly black small peppers reflect bright highlights and contrast with broad, matte purple-black leaves marked by dark veins. A few fruits show a very deep reddish tone. Tight framing emphasizes the black-pearl effect, dramatic foliage, and the cultivar’s characteristic upright clusters, with a softly blurred green background providing additional depth.

Fruiting vegetable Solanaceae

Organic fruiting vegetable seeds

Organic ‘Black Pearl’ pepper

Name: Organic ‘Black Pearl’ pepper ( Capsicum annuum )
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Capsicum annuum

Product code : BIOVO-0088

Black Pearl is a compact organic Capsicum annuum pepper valued for small upright fruit that changes from glossy black to red. The plant brings lasting colour to containers, edible borders, and small gardens while producing genuinely culinary hot peppers. Specialist sources commonly indicate approximately 30,000 Scoville Heat Units and approximately timing that varies with conditions, both ranges best treated as variable guidance. Start seed early indoors, transplant after frost into full sun, and maintain even moisture without waterlogging soil. Wear gloves at harvest and taste cautiously. black fruit is usable, while red indicates full maturity. A stable draining pot makes seasonal care easier. The compact plant remains useful in small spaces throughout the season.

Quantity: 10 organic seeds
Exposure: Sun
Life cycle: Annual in Quebec climates; frost-tender perennial where frost-free

Common nameBlack Pearl pepper

FamilySolanaceae

GenusCapsicum

Speciesannuum

CultivarBlack Pearl

TypeFruiting vegetable

Botanical nameCapsicum annuum

Reproducible seedsYes

Organic ‘Black Pearl’ pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a culinary ornamental cultivar bred by USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists, released in 2005, and named a 2006 All-America Selections winner. Its compact habit carries glossy purple-black foliage and upright clusters of small round fruit that ripens from black to bright red. The scientific publication confirms that the fruit is edible and extremely pungent but states that no Scoville measurement was performed. The 30,000-Scoville value therefore comes from the front of this organic seed selection and remains seed-harvest guidance. Dark foliage provides season-long contrast.

Start seed indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost, approximately 5 or 6 mm deep. The USDA publication reports typical emergence in ten to twelve days at 21–24°C. Keep starting mix lightly moist, provide intense light, and maintain good airflow. Pot on as needed, then harden plants gradually. Transplant only after frost danger has passed, soil is warm, and nights remain mild. Select full sun to support dark foliage, fertile freely draining soil, and a warm location. Space plants 40.6 cm apart and rows 30.5 cm apart according to the selection.

The selection lists approximately 100 days. Under good conditions, the USDA publication observed a first wave of black fruit around 60 days and red fruit around 80 days after transplanting; light and warmth can shift these guides. Harvest firm, sound fruit and cut stems with a clean tool. Wear gloves, ventilate the kitchen, and taste one small cooked portion before seasoning. Use peppers in sauces, braised dishes, or dried blends. Refrigerate cut fruit promptly and follow a tested recipe for every shelf-stable preserve. Label every preparation with its date and heat warning.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

5 to 6 mm (approximately 1/4 in)

Spacing / density

Space approximately 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) apart

Germination temperature

Approximately 24 to 29°C (75 to 85°F)

Germination time

Approximately 7 to 21 days depending on warmth and natural seed variability

Sowing period

Indoors, 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Sow indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost, 5 or 6 mm (1/4 in) deep in clean, lightly moist starting mix. Maintain approximately 24 to 29°C (75 to 85°F) until emergence without saturating the medium. As soon as seedlings appear, provide intense light for a long daily period and maintain good air circulation. Pot on when plants are sturdy enough, then fertilize very lightly. About one week before transplanting, gradually expose plants to outdoor sun, wind, and temperatures. Set them out after frost danger in warmed, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Space plants 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) apart. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry and apply mulch after soil has warmed. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes leaves at the expense of fruit. A small stake supports loaded branches. Harvest green peppers or wait for full red colour, then continue picking regularly until autumn cooling. Monitor aphids and spider mites, especially under cover, and begin with suitable cultural controls. Remove badly damaged material and keep tools clean between plants. Check undersides of leaves regularly and isolate affected container plants when practical. Record key dates.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 6.8

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Water deeply at soil level when the soil surface begins to dry, then allow excess moisture to drain. Maintain even moisture during flowering and fruit development without saturating roots. Clean mulch limits evaporation and soil splash. Avoid sharp cycles between drought and heavy watering, as well as late-day overhead watering. Check containers daily during hot or windy weather and empty standing water from saucers after rain.

Soil type

Choose loose, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with mature compost before transplanting. A loamy texture that retains even moisture without remaining saturated supports healthy roots and continued production. Avoid locations where water collects after rain and soils that remain cold or compacted. In containers, use airy vegetable potting mix and keep drainage holes open so excess water can escape freely outdoors.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before planting, then apply balanced fertilizer for fruiting vegetables according to label directions and, ideally, a soil test. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of blossoms and fruit. In containers, divide applications into smaller doses because frequent watering leaches nutrients more quickly. Never fertilize completely dry potting mix. Observe foliage colour and fruit set before repeating an application, then water according to label directions.

Moisture

Consistent soil moisture without saturation; good air circulation around the foliage.

Seasonal care

In late winter, sow indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost and maintain steady warmth until emergence. In early spring, place seedlings under intense light, pot them on, and begin very light feeding only after establishment. As days become mild, harden plants gradually, then wait for warm soil and stable nights before transplanting. In early summer, water deeply when the surface dries, remove weeds, and apply mulch once soil is warm. Install a stake before branches become loaded. During flowering, avoid excess nitrogen and maintain even moisture. In summer, monitor pests, remove genuinely diseased leaves, and pick firm fruit at either black or red stage. In containers, check water daily during hot periods. In late summer, continue harvesting to support ripening of remaining peppers. Before the first cold nights, gather usable fruit or temporarily protect a container. After the season, remove diseased debris, clean tools, and rotate with crops outside the nightshade family. During prolonged rain, improve airflow and avoid unnecessarily wetting foliage. Remove damaged fruit promptly. Record first harvest dates and the plant response to watering so next year’s culture can be adjusted. Do not compost clearly diseased tissue unless the system reliably destroys plant pathogens. Store unused seed in a cool, dry, clearly labelled place. Review these notes before ordering seed and planning the next indoor sowing date.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

At least 15 to 20 L, approximately 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) in diameter

Choose a stable container of at least 15 to 20 L, approximately 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) in diameter, with several drainage holes. Fill it with airy vegetable potting mix amended with a moderate amount of compost. Install a small stake at planting so roots are not damaged later. Place the pot in full sun in the warmest sheltered part of the patio. Water slowly until excess drains, then wait until the surface begins to dry before watering again. Check moisture daily during heat waves and never leave water standing in the saucer. After fruit set, use vegetable fertilizer at the labelled rate without multiplying applications. Rotate the pot when light comes mainly from one side. Pick firm black or red fruit regularly to lighten branches and support production. When nights cool, move the container temporarily to a bright protected place without treating the plant as cold hardy. Clean the container and tools at season’s end. Label the container and keep fruit beyond the reach of young children who might mistake it for a fruity hot pepper. During prolonged rain, shelter the pot enough to prevent waterlogging while preserving light and airflow.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

Approximately 45.7 cm (18 in), according to the official packet back

Flower color

White to greenish white

Foliage color

Purple-black to nearly black under strong light

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Compact, bushy, and well branched

Bloom period

Small pale blossoms appear during warm weather when the plant receives abundant sunlight and steady growth. They form at leaf joints and precede the lantern-shaped fruit. Excessive heat, water stress, or too much nitrogen can temporarily reduce fruit set. Maintain even moisture, good air circulation, and avoid unnecessarily wetting blossoms late in the day. Pollinating insects may visit, while gentle air movement also helps release pollen.

Fruiting

Small round fruit appears in upright clusters, first glossy black and then bright red at full maturity. The selection lists approximately 100 days, while the USDA publication observed a first black wave around 60 days and red fruit around 80 days after transplanting under good conditions. Treat these timings as variable guidance. Harvest firm, sound peppers at either stage and cut stems with a clean tool to protect compact branches. Wear gloves because the fruit is genuinely hot.

Days to maturity

Approximately 100 days according to the official packet; this reference may vary with conditions

Harvest

Harvest black once formed or red at full maturity; exact timing variable by conditions

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Around Organic ‘Black Pearl’ pepper, use quick low crops such as radishes, lettuce, or green onions, then harvest them before they create competition. Sweet alyssum, calendula, or phacelia can grow along the edge to support small beneficial insects. Keep the crown open and leave enough space for airflow. Companion planting never replaces rotation, drainage, weeding, soil-level watering, or regular inspection for damage. With neighbouring plants, inspect Organic ‘Black Pearl’ pepper regularly and adjust care to its actual stage of growth.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Fruit, after appropriate culinary preparation

Bright Black Pearl sauce — Wear gloves and begin with one small red pepper. Remove the stem, mince it, and cook for two minutes with 5 mL (1 tsp) oil in a ventilated small saucepan. Add 250 mL (1 cup) crushed tomatoes, 30 mL (2 tbsp) chopped onion, 5 mL (1 tsp) vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for ten minutes, then taste a tiny amount with bread. Add a second pepper only if the heat is suitable. Serve with beans, eggs, or grilled vegetables. Refrigerate the sauce within two hours and use promptly. This preparation is not shelf-stable; follow a tested recipe for any room-temperature storage. Clean utensils carefully and label the container as hot. For a smoother texture, cool slightly and blend cautiously. Do not inhale steam directly or touch your face during cleanup. Keep the finished sauce away from children and pets, and mark the container with its preparation date.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Is Black Pearl genuinely edible?

Yes. USDA Agricultural Research Service presents ‘Black Pearl’ as a culinary ornamental pepper bred to combine striking appearance with pungent flavour. Round black fruit turns red at full maturity and remains edible at both stages. The organic selection lists approximately 30,000 Scoville Heat Units, a value best treated as seed-harvest guidance. Wear gloves, avoid touching the eyes, and taste one tiny cooked portion before seasoning a dish. Clearly label sauces and powders, keep them away from children, and refrigerate cut or damaged peppers promptly. Discard every fruit showing mould or decay. Clean knives, boards, and containers carefully after handling the harvest.

How hot is Black Pearl?

Some specialist catalogues place Black Pearl around 30,000 Scoville Heat Units. This value remains guidance and is not a fixed measurement for every harvest. Genetics, fruit maturity, light, temperature, and watering may alter actual pungency. Small fruit size does not mean that the pepper is mild. Wear gloves, ventilate the kitchen, and begin with less than the recipe suggests. Taste a tiny portion after cooking before adding more. Label powders and sauces clearly, then clean the knife, board, and surfaces carefully without touching your face. Keep every hot preparation away from children and pets and refrigerate fresh sauces promptly. Handle every harvest cautiously.

When should black or red fruit be harvested?

Black fruit may be harvested once it is well formed and firm. Its change to red indicates full maturity and may alter aroma, sweetness, and perceived heat. Cut stems with a clean tool instead of pulling on clusters. Compare a few fruit of both colours after cooking, always in tiny portions. A precise day count is not available because consulted sources do not support one. Record transplant date, first black harvest, and first red fruit. Before cold nights, gather remaining sound peppers or move a container temporarily under protection. Refrigerate cut fruit promptly and discard any showing mould or decay.

Does Black Pearl grow well in a container?

Yes. Its compact habit makes Black Pearl especially useful in a container. Choose a stable pot with open drainage holes and fill it with fertile airy potting mix. Place it in full sun after gradual hardening. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry, then let excess water drain freely. Check moisture more often during hot windy weather. Moderate feeding supports flowers and fruit without producing excessive foliage. Rotate the pot periodically for even light and add a small stake if branches become loaded. Before frost, harvest sound fruit or move the container briefly under protection. Inspect leaf undersides regularly and isolate a plant if genuine pest problems develop.

How long does harvest take?

A precise day count is not available for Black Pearl. Start seed eight to ten weeks before the last frost, transplant only after soil warms, and then observe actual development. Fruit should be well formed and firm; it is black before turning red at full maturity. Warmth, light, container size, watering, and transplant date alter the pace. Record the first black and first red harvest to build a local reference. Before autumn frost, gather sound usable fruit. These observations provide a more useful local harvest guide than an uncertain catalogue estimate. Refrigerate cut or damaged peppers promptly and discard any showing decay.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Organic ‘Black Pearl’ pepper is grown primarily for harvest. When several plants reach bloom, their flowers may receive small bees, hoverflies, and other insects. This contribution remains secondary and varies with flowering duration, weather, and neighbouring crops. Avoid treatments while insects are actively visiting and retain only healthy flowering specimens away from the main harvest.