About this variety
Purple Flash is an ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum, family Solanaceae) grown for its foliage: almost-black leaves splashed with bright purple, and creamy white on new growth. It forms a low mound about 33–38 cm tall. The packet holds 5 seeds.
Leaves, fruit and size
- Almost-black leaves with bright purple and occasional creamy white flashes
- Height 33–38 cm, spread 48–53 cm, mounded habit
- Small, glossy black peppers that are extremely hot
- Used in borders, mixed containers and decorative plantings
Sow into soil at 18–35 °C
Start the seed indoors 6–8 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 packet.
Planting out
Transplant after frost has passed, 46–51 cm apart, in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging, which leads to root disease.
When it colours up
Full leaf colour and fruit come about 10–12 weeks after transplanting.
What you get: 5 seeds per packet. Pepper seed usually stays usable for about 2 years when kept cool, dark and dry, so you can sow part of the packet and keep the rest. That is a general figure for the species; we do not state a germination percentage for this packet.
FAQ
Can I eat the peppers?
We do not recommend it. The fruit is extremely hot, and this variety is grown for its looks rather than for cooking.
Does it suit a container?
Yes. At 33–38 cm tall with a 48–53 cm spread it fits a mixed container or the front of a border.




