Hot Pepper
Black Magic Pepper is a striking Capsicum annuum cultivar that produces deep, dark fruits in zones 9-11, reaching harvest readiness in just 60-65 days from transplant. This half-hardy pepper thrives in full sun with consistent moisture and well-draining soil (pH 5.5-6.8), rewarding gardeners with robust plants that produce abundantly through the growing season. Like all peppers in this family, Black Magic delivers capsaicin, the compound that revs metabolism and reduces inflammation while adding serious flavor to the kitchen.
Full Sun
High
9-11
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Annual
High
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Black Magic Pepper produces visually stunning dark fruits that mature quickly, typically ready for picking within 60-65 days of transplanting. The cultivar requires full sun exposure and consistent watering to reach its potential, but performs reliably in warm climates and container gardens alike. Peppers develop their deepest color and most concentrated nutrients when fully mature, and careful harvesting with sharp tools preserves the plant for continued production throughout the season.
Black Magic Pepper is grown primarily for culinary use, where its dark, mature fruits add both visual drama and nutritional punch to dishes. The peppers reach peak flavor and nutritional value when fully colored, making them excellent fresh for slicing into salads, roasting whole, or incorporating into cooked dishes where their bold appearance commands attention. Like other peppers in the Capsicum annuum species, the fruits can be frozen or dried for long-term storage and use throughout the year.
Start Black Magic Pepper seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before your anticipated transplant date. Maintain soil temperatures between 70-85°F for optimal germination. Once seedlings develop 2 sets of true leaves, they're ready for the next stage of growth.
Transplant seedlings outdoors once they're established and soil temperatures support warm-season growth. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart, ensuring they'll receive full sun throughout the day.
Direct sowing Black Magic Pepper is not recommended; start seeds indoors for best results.
Black Magic Pepper reaches harvest maturity 60-65 days after transplanting. Harvest fruit when it reaches full size and has developed its proper dark color, which signals peak flavor and nutritional content. Use a sharp knife, shears, or scissors to remove fruit cleanly at the stem, and wear gloves when handling peppers to protect your skin. Check plants regularly to catch ripe peppers at their peak and encourage continued flowering.
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