Capsicum annuum 'Zimbabwe Black'
chilli pepper 'Zimbabwe Black'
A highly ornamental chilli pepper variety producing mild-flavoured, dark purple, almost black fruits, which ripen to red throughout the season. The fruits are borne on spreading branches of dark purple stained foliage. Harvest between July and October
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Purple Red | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Purple Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: Irritant if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Capsicum are annual or perennial plants, with simple, alternate leaves, and tubular or bell-shaped flowers. They are grown for their glossy, many-seeded edible fruits, including chilli and bell peppers, and as indoor ornamental plants
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow indoors from late Winter to mid-Spring in a small pot filled with good quality seed compost and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. When seedlings are 2.5cm tall transplant to individual pots, water and grow on in a sunny spot. See how to grow: chilli peppers for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.