Black Hungarian Pepper

10 Seeds

Black Hungarian Pepper is a beautiful heirloom chili pepper from Hungary, known for its deep purple-black foliage, violet flowers, and glossy black peppers that ripen to bright red. It has a medium heat level (approximately 5,000–10,000 SHU) and is excellent for fresh eating, cooking, pickling, and ornamental gardens. It grows very well in the Gulf when planted during the cooler season and is suitable for gardens, containers, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.

Best Planting Time

• August to October (recommended)
• January to February (protected cultivation)
• Avoid sowing outdoors during periods when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 40°C.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in warm water (25–30°C) for 8–12 hours before sowing.
• Optional: soak in diluted seaweed extract or chamomile tea to improve germination.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Coco peat
• 30% Compost
• 20% Garden soil
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or nursery pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the soil evenly moist until germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 24–30°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• During hot Gulf afternoons, provide 30–40% shade cloth to reduce heat stress.

Watering

• Keep the growing medium consistently moist during germination.
• Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid overwatering and poor drainage.

Germination Time

• 7–14 days
• Under cooler conditions, germination may take up to 21 days.

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings when they have:
  • 4–6 true leaves
  • Height of 15–20 cm
• Space plants:
  • 45–60 cm apart
• Space rows:
  • 60–75 cm apart

Harvesting

• Harvest begins:
  • 75–90 days after transplanting
• Pick peppers while they are glossy black-purple for a crisp texture and distinctive appearance.
• Allow fruits to mature to bright red for a sweeter flavor and maximum ripeness.
• Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruit production.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Plant between August and October for the highest yields.
• Apply organic mulch to cool the root zone and reduce water evaporation.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, then switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium during flowering and fruit development.
• Protect plants from strong desert winds and intense afternoon sun.
• Black Hungarian Pepper performs exceptionally well in containers, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.