About this seed

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. The packet holds 5 seeds.

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 packet.

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.

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

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.