About this variety
Count Dracula is an ornamental chili (Capsicum annuum, family Solanaceae) with dark-purple foliage and glossy black fruit that ripen red. The fruit is edible, at 5,000–30,000 Scoville heat units.
Also known as: Chili pepper, Mirchi (Hindi), Milagai (Tamil), Mulaku (Malayalam), Chile (Spanish), Piment (French), Peperoncino (Italian), Pimenta (Portuguese), Chili (German), Prik (Thai).
Fruit and plant
- Fruit about 5 cm (2 in) long, deep black ripening to red
- Dark-purple foliage
- Compact, bushy plants 45–60 cm (18–24 in) tall for containers or beds
- Earthy, smoky, slightly sweet flavour; used in sauces, salsas and stir-fries, or dried for powder and chili strings
Sow into soil at 18–35 °C
Start the seed indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Seedlings appear in about 8–9 days when the soil is 25–35 °C; 18–35 °C is the soil range that suits pepper germination, so keep the tray inside it until the first leaves show. Cover the seed with about 6 mm of seed-starting mix.
These figures are typical for the species (emergence was measured with seed about 13 mm deep); they are not a test of this lot.
Planting out
Transplant after all risk of frost has passed, 45–60 cm (18–24 in) apart, in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter. Water regularly without saturating the soil.
When to expect fruit
Fruit matures about 80–90 days after transplanting.
Pepper seed usually stays usable for about 2 years when kept cool, dark and dry, so you can sow some and keep the rest. That is a general figure for the species; we do not state a germination percentage.
FAQ
Is it only ornamental?
No. It is grown for its dark leaves and black fruit, but the peppers are eaten and carry moderate heat.
Can it be dried?
Yes. The fruit dries for chili powder or decorative strings.
