Black Hungarian is generally described as moderately hot and comparable to a jalapeño, but published values vary widely among seed suppliers. Heat also depends on individual fruit, ripeness, temperature, and water stress, so no exact Scoville value is guaranteed for this lot. Wear gloves when processing several fruit, taste a very small amount before seasoning the whole dish, and remove inner membranes to reduce some of the sensation.
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Organic open-pollinated ornamental moderately hot pepper
Solanaceae
Organic hot pepper seeds
Organic ‘Black Hungarian’ hot pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘Black Hungarian’)
Capsicum annuum ‘Black Hungarian’
‘Black Hungarian’ is an organic open-pollinated pepper with glossy conical fruit, green then purple-black before ripening deep red. Purple-veined foliage and pale violet flowers strengthen its ornamental value while rich moderately hot flesh suits sauces, pickles, and stir-fries. The Biologiquement Vôtre workbook lists approximately 10 seeds, height of 60–80 cm, spread of 40–50 cm, germination in 10–21 days at 24–30°C, and harvest around 75 days after sowing.
Quantity
About 10 seeds
Exposure
Full sun in a warm sheltered location
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Capsicum
Species
annuum
Cultivar
Black Hungarian
Type
Organic open-pollinated ornamental moderately hot pepper
Cycle
Annual in Quebec climates; frost-tender perennial where frost-free
Organic ‘Black Hungarian’ hot pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘Black Hungarian’) is an open-pollinated cultivar that is both ornamental and productive. Glossy jalapeño-shaped conical fruit changes from green through purple-black to deep red at full maturity. Purple stems and veins, pale violet flowers, and dark fruit create a striking edible ornamental plant. The flesh offers moderate heat and rich flavour that gains sweetness and depth as fruit ripens red.
Sow indoors February through April, 0.5–1 cm deep, approximately eight to ten weeks before last frost. Maintain 24–30°C until emergence, generally in 10–21 days, then provide strong light. Harden gradually and transplant only once soil has warmed and nights remain above approximately 12°C. Choose full sun and rich well-drained soil, water deeply once the surface begins to dry, and feed moderately to support flowers and fruit without excessive foliage.
The Biologiquement Vôtre workbook lists approximately 10 seeds, height of 60–80 cm, spread of 40–50 cm, a 15–20 L container, and harvest around 75 days after sowing. Harvest purple-black for dramatic colour or await full red ripeness for more developed flavour. Fruit suits fresh use, pickling, stir-fries, drying, and sauces. Heat varies among fruit and conditions; wear gloves for extended preparation and taste a small amount before adjusting a recipe.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Approximately 0.5 to 1 cm (¼ to ⅜ in)
Spacing / density
Approximately 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) between plants and 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in) between rows
Establishment temperature
Approximately 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F)
Establishment time
Approximately 10 to 21 days
Best planting time
February through April indoors; transplant after frost once nights remain above approximately 12°C
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Sow 0.5–1 cm deep in light mix eight to ten weeks before last frost. Maintain 24–30°C and even moisture until emergence, then provide 14–16 hours of strong light. Pot up at several true leaves without deeply burying the stem. Harden for 7–10 days and transplant once soil is warm and nights remain above approximately 12°C. Space 40–50 cm apart, water immediately, stake if needed, and remove first flowers only if the plant remains very small.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun in a warm sheltered location
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 6.8
Minimum temperature
12°C (54°F)
Watering
Keep seed-starting mix evenly moist during germination without saturating cells, then let the surface dry slightly between waterings once seedlings establish. After transplanting, water deeply at soil level once the top two or three centimetres begin to dry. Alternating drought and excess water causes blossom drop, stalled fruit, and uneven tissue. Mulch only once soil is warm, water in the morning, and avoid wetting foliage. In containers check daily during heat but never leave standing water in the saucer.
Soil type
Choose deep loose soil rich in mature compost and very well drained, able to retain even moisture without remaining cold or waterlogged. Peppers succeed at slightly acidic to neutral pH approximately 6.0–7.0. Warm the bed before transplanting and avoid fresh manure, which encourages overly soft growth. In heavy soil use a raised bed. Rotate three to four years away from tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and other peppers where soil disease has occurred. A soil test allows organic matter and nutrients to be adjusted without excess.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting and use balanced organic fertilizer only according to a soil test or label. During establishment moderate nutrition supports sturdy plants. Once flowering begins avoid high-nitrogen doses that produce many leaves but delay fruit set and ripening. If a container plant pales despite proper watering, apply one low balanced liquid dose then reassess after a week. Never feed dry mix, do not allow salts to accumulate, and stop late applications when remaining warm-season time cannot ripen new fruit.
Seasonal care
In spring keep seedlings warm under strong light and pot up before roots circle cells. Harden gradually then transplant after frost. In summer mulch once soil is warm, tie plants loosely if bending, and harvest regularly. Monitor aphids, whiteflies, and mites, especially under protection. In autumn move containers inside during cold nights or cut loaded branches to finish colouring indoors; discard diseased or rotten fruit.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
15 to 20 L (4 to 5 gal) per plant
Use a 15–20 L container per plant, at least 30 cm deep, with numerous holes. Fill with rich but well-drained mix and place in the warmest sunniest location available. Install a stake at planting so roots are not injured later. Water deeply once the surface begins to dry, feed moderately following label directions, and rotate the pot regularly. Protect or move the container inside once nights approach 12°C.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Pale violet
Foliage color
Dark green with purple veins and tones
Foliage type
Herbaceous
Growth rate
Moderate to fast in warm conditions
Bloom period
Small pale violet flowers contrasting with purple stems and veins
Fruiting
Numerous glossy purple-black then red fruit with rich moderately hot flavour
Harvest
Clip fruit with clean scissors without pulling branches. The purple-black stage provides the strongest ornamental contrast and fresher flavour; full red ripeness develops more sweetness and depth. Pick regularly to encourage further fruit set but leave several fruit fully ripe if saving seed. Wear gloves during extended preparation, avoid eyes and face, promptly refrigerate sound fruit, and discard anything mouldy, fermented, soft, or abnormal-smelling.
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Tomato, basil, eggplant
Avoid planting with
Bean, fennel
Very hot sauces, labelled dried blends, and tested preserving recipes
From the garden to inspiration.
Refrigerator-pickled Black Hungarian rings — Wear gloves. Wash 250 g sound fruit, remove stems, and slice. Boil 250 ml 5% vinegar, 250 ml water, 10 g salt, and 10 g sugar. Pour over rings in a clean container, cool, then refrigerate; this quick pickle is not shelf-stable canning. Wait at least 24 hours before serving and use promptly. Discard any preparation showing mould, gas, slime, or abnormal odour.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
The nearly black colour reflects strong purple pigmentation while fruit is still immature. As it ripens, red pigments become dominant and flavour generally gains sweetness and depth. Both stages are edible: harvest purple-black for visual effect and firm texture or red for full maturity and seed saving. A side receiving less sun may remain greener or change colour more slowly.
The plant needs a long warm season before producing and colouring an abundant crop. Sowing eight to ten weeks before last frost gives sufficiently advanced plants once nights become safe. Starting much earlier may create root-bound tall stressed plants. Maintain 24–30°C until emergence, then use strong light and pot up as needed before hardening.
Yes. Use one deep 15–20 L container per plant with numerous holes and rich but free-draining mix. Place it in a warm full-sun site and install a small stake at planting if the location is windy. Check moisture daily during heat, water deeply once the surface dries, and feed moderately. Rotate the pot to colour all sides of the plant and protect it once nights approach 12°C.
Sow February through April, approximately eight to ten weeks before expected last frost. Maintain mix at 24–30°C and evenly moist for emergence generally observed in 10–21 days. Provide intense light as soon as seedlings appear so they remain compact. Pot up if roots fill cells, harden for 7–10 days, and transplant only after frost once soil is warm and nights remain above approximately 12°C.
Its strengths, naturally.
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
