Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl' (Chilli pepper, Chilli)

Array ( [0] => Array ( [id] => 486 [is_published] => 1 [websiteID] => 5 [url] => /landscaping/bullet-proof-landscape-plants.php [page_status] => Published [number_of_ads] => 1 [can_use_editor] => 1 [last_modified_date] => 2013-09-18 00:00:00 [last_modified_by] => Alan [checked_for_duplicate_content] => [title] => Bulletproof landscape plants [heading] => Bulletproof landscape plants [meta_description] => Not all plants are equal. Many require the soil and climate (amongst other things) to be 'just right'. The plants described in this article are the ones that deserve the title of 'bulletproof' and are a good starting point for an easy-care garden. [article_category_1] => Landscaping [article_category_2] => [article_category_3] => [article_category_4] => [article_category_5] => [business_category_1] => Landscaper [business_category_2] => Garden Maintenance [business_category_3] => Garden Supplies [business_category_4] => Garden Designer [business_category_5] => Garden Tools [number_of_google_mrecs] => 1 [show_google_ad_bottom_of_page] => 1 [show_get_quotes_top_of_page] => 1 [show_get_quotes_rhs_of_page] => 1 [show_directory_search_widget] => 1 [show_trending_content_widget] => 1 [show_facebook_widget] => 1 [show_further_reading_section] => 1 [show_sponsors_section] => 1 [show_top_article_ad] => 1 ) [1] => Array ( [id] => 523 [is_published] => 1 [websiteID] => 5 [url] => /gardening/ground-covers.php [page_status] => Published [number_of_ads] => 3 [can_use_editor] => 1 [last_modified_date] => 2013-09-16 00:00:00 [last_modified_by] => Alan [checked_for_duplicate_content] => [title] => Ground covers [heading] => Ground covers [meta_description] => [article_category_1] => Gardening [article_category_2] => [article_category_3] => [article_category_4] => [article_category_5] => [business_category_1] => Landscaper [business_category_2] => Garden Maintenance [business_category_3] => Garden Supplies [business_category_4] => Garden Designer [business_category_5] => Garden Tools [number_of_google_mrecs] => [show_google_ad_bottom_of_page] => [show_get_quotes_top_of_page] => [show_get_quotes_rhs_of_page] => [show_directory_search_widget] => [show_trending_content_widget] => [show_facebook_widget] => [show_further_reading_section] => 1 [show_sponsors_section] => 0 [show_top_article_ad] => 1 ) [2] => Array ( [id] => 545 [is_published] => 1 [websiteID] => 5 [url] => /landscaping/choosing-a-landscaper.php [page_status] => Published [number_of_ads] => 2 [can_use_editor] => 1 [last_modified_date] => 2013-09-10 00:00:00 [last_modified_by] => Alan [checked_for_duplicate_content] => [title] => Choosing a landscaper [heading] => Choosing a landscaper [meta_description] => Top tips for choosing the best landscaping company for your home or business. [article_category_1] => Landscaping [article_category_2] => [article_category_3] => [article_category_4] => [article_category_5] => [business_category_1] => Landscaper [business_category_2] => Nursery [business_category_3] => Garden Designer [business_category_4] => Landscape Architect [business_category_5] => [number_of_google_mrecs] => 1 [show_google_ad_bottom_of_page] => 0 [show_get_quotes_top_of_page] => 1 [show_get_quotes_rhs_of_page] => 0 [show_directory_search_widget] => 1 [show_trending_content_widget] => 1 [show_facebook_widget] => 1 [show_further_reading_section] => 1 [show_sponsors_section] => 0 [show_top_article_ad] => 1 ) [3] => Array ( [id] => 151 [is_published] => 1 [websiteID] => 5 [url] => /landscaping/fertilisers.php [page_status] => Published [number_of_ads] => 2 [can_use_editor] => 1 [last_modified_date] => 2013-09-10 00:00:00 [last_modified_by] => Alan [checked_for_duplicate_content] => [title] => Fertilisers [heading] => Fertilisers [meta_description] => Learn all about fertilisers, the different varieties and their applications. [article_category_1] => Landscaping [article_category_2] => [article_category_3] => [article_category_4] => [article_category_5] => [business_category_1] => Landscaper [business_category_2] => Nursery [business_category_3] => Garden Designer [business_category_4] => Landscape Architect [business_category_5] => [number_of_google_mrecs] => 1 [show_google_ad_bottom_of_page] => 1 [show_get_quotes_top_of_page] => 1 [show_get_quotes_rhs_of_page] => 1 [show_directory_search_widget] => 1 [show_trending_content_widget] => 1 [show_facebook_widget] => 1 [show_further_reading_section] => 1 [show_sponsors_section] => 0 [show_top_article_ad] => 1 ) )

Plant description

Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl' is a beautiful ornamental form of chilli plant. It has near black foliage, purple flowers, followed by small round black fruit that turn red when ripe. The fruit are quite hot, and great for adding colour to your cooking. It is a perennial plant in warm climates.

Chilli plants are easy to grow. 'Balck Pearl' likes a sunny, protected spot, but also does well in partial shade.  They like a well drained soil. They can bear nearly year round in tropical to sub tropical climates. They make good container plants, as they adjust their size to the size of their container. Water regularly when small, but overwatering can set the plant back.

Care should be taken with chilli fruit, as they can burn delicate mucous membranes, such as eyes and the nose. The burning effect of chilli is not lessened with water, but drinking full cream milk will help, as the fat content helps to lessen the burn. The substances that give chili peppers their intensity is capsaicin and several related chemicals called capsaicinoids. When eaten, they raise the heart rate, increase perspiration and release endorphins. Applied topically (to the skin), chillis can help with the management of arthritic pain, headaches and diabetic neuropathy.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: purple
Flowering season: spring summer autumn

Plant size

Maximum height: 0.5 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 0.4 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Insects, bees.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Diseases

Root rot in wet conditions

Pests

Aphids, mealy bug

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Spring, summer.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose fertiliser.

Find a nursery       Search for another plant