Chilli Pepper Zimbabwe Black - Capsicum annuum
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
45–75cm height; 30–50cm spread.
Overview
An eye-catching variety with dark purple foliage and striking, almost black fruits that ripen to deep red. Compact and ornamental, it’s well suited to containers and sunny patios. Fruits have a moderate heat and add colour as well as flavour to dishes.
- Vegetable Type: Chilli Pepper Zimbabwe Black
- Key Characteristic: Striking dark foliage and fruits with moderate heat – ornamental and edible.
- Hardiness: Tender annual (protect your plants from frost).
PLANTING ADVICE
Grow outdoors only in a warm, sheltered, frost-free position from late spring to early autumn. Protect from cold nights.
- Outdoor cultivation
Grow outdoors only in a warm, sheltered, frost-free position from late spring to early autumn. Protect from cold nights.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Well suited to greenhouse cultivation. Maintain warmth, ventilation and regular feeding for best yields.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Feed weekly once flowers appear using a high-potash fertiliser. Remove any damaged leaves to improve airflow and check plants regularly for pests. Harvest fruits promptly to encourage further cropping.
- Watering: Water regularly and consistently, keeping compost moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting plants dry out during flowering and fruiting as this can reduce yields.
- Feeding: Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowering begins to support fruit production.
- Cutting and prunning: Pinch out growing tips once plants are established to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvesting: Pick once fruits reach full size and colour. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more chillies.
- Pest and diseases: Check regularly for aphids and red spider mite, especially under glass.
VERVE RECOMMENDS...
- Pinch out the first flowers to help young plants build strength before heavy fruiting.