Black Cobra Pepper Seeds – Indian Heirloom Ornamental & Hot, Black-to-Red (Capsicum annuum)

Black Cobra is a striking Indian heirloom Capsicum annuum — also known as Goat's Weed Pepper — prized for its dramatic color progression from glossy black to vivid red and its tremendous ornamental appeal. Slender, 3-inch pods grow upright from the tips of sturdy stalks on tall 3–5 foot plants covered in small white blooms. The peppers remain a deep, glossy black for several weeks before ripening to red at full maturity. Extremely hot, highly productive, and visually stunning in containers or garden beds. Matures in 90–100 days.

About Black Cobra

Black Cobra is one of the most visually dramatic hot peppers you can grow — its jet-black immature pods contrasting with bright red ripe fruits create a stunning display that makes it as much an ornamental as a culinary pepper. Widely grown in India and Southeast Asia, it delivers intense, clean heat with excellent yields. Plants are perennial with frost protection and can be overwintered indoors for multiple seasons of production.

Culinary Uses

• Use fresh or dried in Indian curries, chutneys, and pickles
• Dry whole pods for long-term storage and grinding into chili powder
• Blend into hot sauces and chili oils for intense, clean heat
• Add to stir-fries, soups, and stews for bold Southeast Asian heat
• Use dried pods as a striking garnish or pantry ingredient

Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves. Keep away from eyes and sensitive areas.

Growing Tips

• Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Sow seeds 1/4" deep in warm, moist organic seed-starting mix.
• Germination takes 1–4 weeks. Use a heat mat (80–85F) for best results.
• Soak seeds in room-temperature water overnight before planting to speed germination.
• Avoid peat plugs and standard potting soil — use a 3:1 mix of potting soil and sand or organic seed-starting mix for excellent drainage.
• Stake plants as they mature — tall plants benefit from a garden stake for support.
• Shade pollination — gently shake plants when in flower to encourage self-pollination.
• Container friendly — grows well in 5-gallon pots; bring indoors in winter, maintain above 50F for perennial growth.

Care Requirements

• Light: Full sun — daytime temps 68–85F; nighttime below 75F for best production.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained. Mulch around the base with straw or grass clippings.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; soaker hoses recommended.
• Fertilizer: Slow-release at transplant; liquid feed every two weeks through the season. Do not overfertilize.
• Harvest: Allow fruits to turn fully red before harvesting. Cut with garden scissors and pick regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.