Explosive Ember / Royal Black - 15 pcs seeds

Explosive Ember (Explosive Ember) / Royal Black (Royal Black) is an impressive ornamental hot pepper, Capsicum annuum, with almost black, dark-purple leaves and dark-blue veins. The flowers are bicoloured — white at the centre and dark purple at the edges — while the upright conical fruits start almost black and ripen to bright red. Its compact height of 60–90 cm makes it an excellent choice for pots, while its heat reaches 5 000–30 000 SHU.

Explosive Ember (Explosive Ember) / Royal Black (Royal Black) is a variety whose ornamental effect begins at the young-plant stage. Its almost-black foliage, bicoloured flowers and upright dark fruits create a striking contrast that gradually changes as the fruits ripen red.

At only 60–90 cm tall, the plant is suitable for pots, balconies and terraces. The variety combines ornamental value with edible fruits and noticeable, but not extreme, heat.

Variety characteristics

• Bulgarian name: Royal Black / Explosive Ember
• Original name: Royal Black / Explosive Ember
• Botanical species: Capsicum annuum
• Type: Hot and ornamental pepper
• Heat level: 5 000–30 000 SHU
• Height: 60–90 cm
• Leaves: Very dark purple, almost black
• Leaf veins: Dark blue
• Flowers: White at the centre, dark purple at the edges
• Fruits: Upright and conical
• Initial colour: Dark purple to almost black
• Ripe colour: Red
• Suitable for pots: Yes.

🔥 Heat

5 000–30 000 SHU

🌱 Sowing and growing

Sowing: January–April
Location: indoors
Germination temperature: 20–30°C
Greenhouse planting: for higher yields
Outdoor planting: around the end of May
Height: 60–90 cm
Growing in pots: highly suitable
Pruning: possible for an even more compact form.

At the end of the season, plants can be moved into pots and brought onto a bright windowsill, where under suitable conditions they can continue fruiting.

🪴 Ornamental value

This is where Royal Black / Explosive Ember truly stands out:

almost-black leaves with blue veins → white-and-purple flowers → almost-black fruits → ripe red peppers.

This consistent colour transformation makes the plant an interesting ornamental accent for much of the season. The compact 60–90 cm further makes it suitable for growing in decorative pots.

🍴 Culinary use

The fruits are edible and, with a heat level of 5 000–30 000 SHU, can be used for spicy sauces, salsa, marinades and various cooked dishes.