-
£2.50 P&P ON orders <£40. Free P&P on orders >£40
We are unable to deliver to N.Ireland, Europe or The rest of the worlD
Chilli Pepper ‘Zimbabwe Black’
£2.95
Availability: In stock
Capsicum Annuum– 10 seeds
30,000–50,000 SHU
Zimbabwe Black is an open-pollinated, heritage chilli from South Africa. Its deep, dark foliage is rare for a chilli plant and will look beautiful in the kitchen garden, or wherever you decide to grow it. The stems, leaves and flowers are almost black, making it a striking choice for edimental containers and ornamental borders. The chillies start nearly black before ripening to red, creating a bold colour contrast on the plant. With a medium heat and a lightly sweet, fruity edge, this variety brings a lovely flavour to chilli oils, sauces, chutneys and slow-cooked dishes.
The chilli seeds should be sown in trays or modules from late December to April at 18-21C. Pot on when seedlings are large enough to handle and continue to pot on as they grow. Plant out in late spring/early summer.
Sow: Late December to April
Harvest: July – October
Position: Full sun
Spacing: 45 cm
Ideal for: Containers – Greenhouses
Seed Story
Chilli Peppers were brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus in the 1400’s.
Chillies originated in Mexico and are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the Americas. They have been part of the human diet since 7500BC.
The Aztecs discovered the medicinal qualities of capsaicin which is what gives chillies their heat. capsaicin was used to reduce blood pressure, relieve pain and is even said to increase metabolism and help with digestive issues.
Chillies are the traditional treatment for toothache in Mexico
In Africa, chillies are laid on fences around crops to deter elephants!
There are many species of capsicum but only 5 have actually been domesticated including two very popular types:
Capsicum Anuum which includes bell peppers, paprika, jalapeño’s and cayenne
Capsicum Chinensis which includes the habanero and scotch bonnet.
Chillies were introduced to Asia by Portuguese traders who sold them based on the similarities to black pepper in taste. They then introduced them to India at the end of the 15th century.
