Show-stopping, stunning, unusual are all adjectives that spring to mind: Zimbabwe Black has foliage that is tinged purple, the flowers are deep purple, and the chillies ripen from dark purple to rich red. These chillies are on the hot side at 20000-30000 SHU and the well branched plants produce masses of them to enjoy. Price for 10 seeds.
SOW: hot chillies do best from earlier protected sowing from February to April, indoors in a warm soil in trays or modules barely covering the seeds as they need light to germinate.
GROW: when they reach the 2/3 leaf stage they can be planted into a greenhouse or hardened off and put outside in pots in a warm sheltered spot. Well branched plants produce masses of fruit until frost strikes.
EAT: pick young when still purple to enjoy a milder heat with the striking coloured flesh or allow the heat to develop as they turn to rich red ripeness.