Royal Black (6 Seeds)

Royal Black is an attractive choice for growers who love unusual foliage and dark-coloured fruits. Its deep purple tones create a dramatic display, making it a striking plant for pots, patios and greenhouses. The fruits develop dark shades before changing as they mature. This colour contrast makes Royal Black especially appealing as an ornamental chilli, although the fruits can also be used in the kitchen. The exact flavour and heat can vary, so start with a small amount if you’re tasting a variety for the first time.

Give the plant a warm, sunny position and well-drained compost. Growing it in a pot makes it easy to move into shelter when temperatures fall. Regular light and good growing conditions help the foliage and fruit show their colour. Royal Black is a good option for anyone who wants a chilli plant with visual impact, rather than choosing varieties for heat alone.

Quick facts

• Species: Capsicum annuum type.
• Origin: Cultivar history is not consistently documented
• Flavour: Not reliably established; use the fruit cautiously until you know the variety
• Fruit: Dark purple to near-black tones, with colour changing as fruits mature
• Growing habit: Ornamental plant suited to pots and sheltered growing
• Heat: Wide range usually in the 20,000 – 50,000 area
• Heat rating: 🔥🔥

Explore more colourful chillies

For more unusual colours, take a look at NuMex Twilight, Cheiro Roxa, Jolokia Pink Ice and Lucifer’s Dream Yellow.

Ready to grow your own chillies?

Raise your plants with our Root Riot propagation cubes, propagator trays and chilli growing kits. They’re handy for getting seedlings established before potting them on.