Description
Chilli Name : ROYAL BLACK
Chilli Species : Annuum
Chilli Origin : USA
Chilli Heat : Medium (30,000–40,000 SHU)
Royal Black is a decorative yet fully edible chilli renowned for its deep purple foliage and glossy black pods. Originally developed in the USA as an ornamental cultivar, it quickly gained popularity with growers who appreciated its combination of beauty, productivity, and medium heat. Despite its regal looks, Royal Black is a hard-working Capsicum annuum that performs well both indoors and out.
Pods are small and bullet-shaped, around 2–3 cm long, ripening from jet black to deep red as they mature. The flavour is clean and slightly fruity, with medium heat typically in the 30,000–40,000 SHU range — similar to a strong Cayenne. Ideal for fresh salsas, drying, or decorative use, the pods provide genuine culinary value beyond their visual appeal.
Plants are compact and bushy (40–60 cm tall) with striking dark purple to near-black foliage and small purple flowers. Their dense growth and heavy fruiting make them ideal for pots, borders, and ornamental displays — a favourite among collectors and landscape gardeners alike.
Seeds germinate best at 26–30 °C, sprouting within 10–21 days. Plants mature in around 85–95 days, producing a steady display of colour all season long.
