This a beautiful looking variety with black plants with purple black pods. Pods ripen through three colors and ripen to red. This variety comes from a cross of the violet cables and explosive Amber’s with great results. Pods are edible and have thin walls and dry out easy for powder. Powder can be made from pods at any color which makes this a great ornamental powder maker. Plants are small to almost medium sized great for indoor house plants or indoor grow. Plants have very good yields 

Capsicum Annuum 

SHU 20,000-30,000

AI GEN

APS BLACK JELLY BEAN - The Midnight Delight

**Basic Info**  

Species: *Capsicum annuum*  

Origin: Atlantic Pepper Seeds (APS)  

Heat: Mild to Medium (5,000-15,000 SHU)  

Type: Small, colorful ornamental variety  

**Story**  

The APS Black Jelly Bean pepper is a culinary gem that marries ornamental beauty with practical flavor. Named for its tiny, bean-shaped pods that resemble jelly beans in size and shape, this variety produces a stunning contrast of deep purple-black pods against vibrant green foliage. While many ornamental peppers are grown solely for display, the Black Jelly Bean offers a dual purpose - its mild-to-medium heat and fruity flavor make it equally suitable for cooking and garnishing.  

Historically, jelly bean peppers have been prized in home gardens for their compact growth and prolific fruiting. The APS selection has been refined for deeper coloration and consistent heat levels, ensuring that each pod delivers the characteristic fruity warmth that defines the variety. The pods mature through a spectrum of colors - starting as pale green, transitioning to deep purple, and finally settling into a rich black that glows under sunlight. This color progression makes them a favorite for decorative arrangements and edible centerpieces.  

In the kitchen, these peppers shine in applications where visual appeal meets subtle heat. They're perfect for skewering as appetizers, slicing into colorful salads, or pickling for a tangy condiment. The heat level is gentle enough for children yet complex enough to intrigue spice enthusiasts. When dried, they develop an even more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for homemade pepper flakes.  

For gardeners, the Black Jelly Bean is a low-maintenance delight. Its compact size (under 18 inches) makes it perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or window boxes. The plants are remarkably disease-resistant and produce continuously throughout the growing season, ensuring a steady harvest of these miniature treasures.  

**Plant**  

Compact (12-18 inches), bushy, ideal for containers and small spaces.  

**Pods**  

0.5-1 inch long, deep purple-black when ripe, glossy, bean-shaped.  

**Flavor**  

Fruity, slightly sweet with mild-to-medium heat that builds gradually.  

**Kitchen**  

Fresh in salads, skewers, pickling, garnishes, dried flakes.  

**Growing Tips**  

- 70-85 days to maturity  

- Full sun (6-7 hours)  

- Zones 5-11 (adaptable)  

- Well-draining soil, moderate watering  

**Culinary Uses**  

- Ornamental garnish for dishes  

- Pickled for appetizers  

- Dried for homemade pepper flakes  

**Common Questions**  

Q: Are they truly black?  

A: They develop deep purple-black color when fully ripe.  

Q: Can they be eaten raw?  

A: Yes, mild heat makes them safe for raw consumption.  

Q: Best harvest time?  

A: When pods turn fully black and glossy.  

Q: Do they cross-pollinate?  

A: Yes, but offspring remain similar unless crossed with hot varieties.