Black Pearl Ornamental Pepper

‘Black Pearl’ is a named ornamental pepper with glossy black foliage and upright clusters of round fruit that ripen from black to dark red. USDA researchers developed the cultivar with PanAmerican Seed, and it was selected for its compact habit and ornamental foliage and fruit. ## Form and Seasonal Interest PanAmerican Seed lists typical plants at 14–18 inches tall and 12–16 inches wide, with taller growth possible in warm regions with longer growing seasons. The breeder describes bushy, upright, well-branched plants; young foliage is greenish and matures to glossy black with high light and heat. Round fruit matures from shiny black to dark red and is hot. The cultivar adds color to summer and fall plantings. ## Growing Use a sunny position with good light and warmth to support dark foliage. Grow in a container or seasonal bed; PanAmerican Seed identifies the cultivar for landscapes and mixed containers. As a pepper grown for warm-season display, it is best treated as a summer annual in cold-winter climates. General species guidance recommends planting after frost danger has passed. ## Maintenance Keep the plant in a warm, sunny location and protect it from cold. Choose this cultivar for its foliage and fruit display in a container or seasonal planting. [PanAmerican Seed](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/045600001015448/ornamental-pepper-black-pearl/) provides exact-selection size, foliage, fruit, and use information; [USDA ARS](https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=177434) confirms the cultivar identity and ornamental traits; [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/capsicum-annuum/) provides general Capsicum annuum cultivation context.