Black Olive – an award-winning and decorative chilli
What makes Black Olive special?
Black Olive is a compact and elegant chilli variety that combines beauty and function. It was developed by the American company Seeds by Design and awarded the prestigious ‘2012 Flowering Plant Award’ by All-America Selections. With its variegated foliage, upward-growing pods and impressive colour changes, Black Olive is a real ornament for both the garden and the kitchen.
Background and name
As the name suggests, the shape and colour of the pod strongly resemble an olive. Black Olive belongs to the species Capsicum Annuum and originates from breeding in the USA. This variety is known for its unique look and medium-hot strength, which makes it a favourite among growers and chilli lovers worldwide.
Appearance and growth habit
Black Olive is a compact plant that reaches a height of 45–60 cm. It stands out with its variegated foliage with touches of dark green and purple, creating a dramatic contrast with the purple flowers. The small, oval pods grow upwards and go through several colour changes – from green to purple/black and finally to bright red at full ripeness. The pods are 15–25 mm long and resemble small olives.
Flavour and uses
With a strength of up to 30,000 Scoville, Black Olive offers a distinct heat that suits both cooking and garnishing. The flavour is fresh and slightly fruity, which makes the pods useful in a range of culinary contexts.
Ways to use Black Olive
- Fresh in dishes: Use the pods to add heat and colour to salads, salsas and Asian dishes.
- Decoration: The dark pods and leaves make Black Olive an excellent ornament on the windowsill or in a pot on the patio.
- Pickled: Turn the pods into flavourful pickles that can be served with cheese and grilled food.
- Dried and ground: Make a colourful chilli powder to season soups and stews.
Black Olive is a chilli that impresses not only with its decorative looks but also with its versatility and flavour. With its medium-hot strength and unique colour range it is a must for anyone who wants to grow something both beautiful and useful. Discover why Black Olive is an award-winning favourite among chilli growers!
The price is for 6 chilli seeds
Sow in moist seed compost or peat pellets and keep warm, at about 25–30°C for best germination The compost should be moist but not wet. A propagator helps to keep the air humid. Once the seedlings have grown a little and developed their second pair of leaves, you can lower the temperature to about 20°C and take them out of the propagator. They do well on a sunny windowsill, in a greenhouse and outdoors in summer. For best results, soak the seeds inGrowhelper for 12–24 hours before sowing
