Black Pearl

Pepper

Zone 5a Save Garden

🌱 80d to harvest Bush

Indigo-black, glossy “pearls” hang like polished beads from sturdy stems, offering a striking, lantern-bright contrast against th…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 20th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 21st
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

Black Pearl (black cherry) tomato: what should I do if I see blossom-end rot or gray, fuzzy fruit spots?

Blossom-end rot shows as dark, sunken patches at the bottom of the fruit—fix it by keeping soil evenly moist and feeding with calcium-rich tomato fertilizer (don’t lime mid-season). Gray, fuzzy spots are usually Botrytis or other fruit rots—remove infected fruit immediately, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid wetting fruit and leaves during watering.

How often should I water Black Pearl during the main growing phase (after flowering), and what soil moisture target should I aim for?

From flowering through fruit set, water when the top 1 inch of soil dries, typically every 2–4 days in warm weather. Aim for consistently moist (not soggy) soil—deeply soak the root zone, then let excess drain so the soil doesn’t stay wet around the stems.

How can I tell when Black Pearl is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits turn glossy black to near-black and the skins look firm but slightly yielding when gently squeezed. If you can’t easily tell color change or it’s still matte or reddish-brown inside the stem area, leave it on the plant a few more days—Black Pearl often needs full dark color for best sweetness.

Indigo-black, glossy “pearls” hang like polished beads from sturdy stems, offering a striking, lantern-bright contrast against the foliage. Black Pearl peppers develop a smooth, firm skin and a compact, rounded shape that ripens from deep green to near-black with a subtle, peppery bite that’s as bold as its color. Grow for show in beds and containers—ideal for ornamental displays and vivid, living color that matures in about 80 days.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Transplant only when soil is reliably warm (60°F+) and then keep evenly watered to prevent cracking and blossom-end rot.