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Black Olive Pepper Seeds

Scientific name Capsicum annuum

About this variety

Black Olive. Black Olive is an ornamental hot Capsicum annuum with dark foliage and fruit that become dark purple to black before eventually turning bright red. University of Missouri records an upright habit, and Penn State Extension confirms the cultivar is edible and very hot.About this varietyBlack Olive is an ornamental hot Capsicum annuum with dark foliage and...

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Alliance of Native Seedkeepers  |  SKU: HPP56
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At a glance

The facts most gardeners need first

View the full variety record
25 minimum seeds per packet
  • Germination7–14 Days days · 75–90 °F
  • SunFull sun
  • Spacingspace 18 in · rows 24 in
  • Growth habitUpright/Erect · Annual
  • Best useEdible ornamental beds, containers, dark foliage and fruit displays, and seed saving from confirmed open-pollinated stock
  • Before sowingStart in a clean, warm, evenly moist seed-starting mix and provide strong light immediately after emergence
Secure checkout Details
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Triple-tested seed qualityRegular quality and germination checks support every packet.

We regularly test seed quality and germination as lots move through storage and packing. We stand behind the seed we send and want customers to contact us when a packet does not perform as reasonably expected.

1-year seed warrantyCoverage begins on the date of purchase.

When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from the date of purchase. Conditions outside our control—including extreme weather, pests, unsuitable storage, and gardener error—are excluded. Contact us when something is not right so we can review the situation and work toward a replacement, refund, or another fair resolution.

Non-GMO / BE seed policyWe do not buy or sell genetically engineered or bioengineered seed.

Every seed variety we sell is non-GMO.

USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard defines bioengineered foods as containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA methods in ways not achievable through conventional breeding or found in nature.

  • Hybrid means parent lines were conventionally crossed; hybrid does not mean GMO.
  • Heirloom and open-pollinated describe how a variety is maintained and reproduced.
  • Organic certification is separate and is shown only when verified for the individual product.

Read how we define heirloom, hybrid, and GMO/BE seed · USDA BE Standard

Packed in Colerain, North CarolinaPrepared in our seed room for gardens across the country.

Seeds are packed and shipped from Colerain, North Carolina. Our packets use forestry-certified paper, and we use recyclable paper mailers where appropriate. AONSK is also a 1% for the Planet partner while continuing to reduce waste in packing and fulfillment.

Seed-starting profileDifficulty, preparation, reliability, and timing Open

Seed success profile

Gardener experience Some experience is helpful
Germination difficulty Moderate or temperature-sensitive
Preparation before sowing
Start in a clean, warm, evenly moist seed-starting mix and provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination speed
7–14 Days
Growing complexity
Warm-season crop requiring early seed starting in many regions, warmth, and attention to fruit load
Patience and timing
90-99 Days
Is this seed a good match for your experience?
Expected germination
7–14 Days
Germination temperature
75–90 °F
Stratification
Not normally required by the current record
Scarification
Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking
Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination
Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination pattern
Reliability depends strongly on correct preparation, temperature, moisture, and patience through the full emergence window
Transplant sensitivity
Transplant after slow hardening; cold conditions can stall growth
Starting method
Cataloged for indoor starting or transplanting; follow the hardening-off guidance.
Best chance of success
For Black Olive Pepper Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.
Planning window

Plan around 7–14 Daysat75–90 °F. Keep moisture, light, and preparation aligned with the sowing instructions below.

Slow germination is not automatically failed germination.

Maintain the listed temperature, moisture, light, and treatment conditions for the full expected window. Some seed lots emerge gradually rather than all at once.

1 Beginner-friendly 2 One extra step 3 Some experience helpful 4 Patient growers 5 Advanced propagation

Seed age, storage, sowing depth, moisture, temperature, light, local conditions, and aftercare can affect results. Last reviewed July 2026.

Browse AONSK seed-starting and garden guides

Garden tools

Need a plan for your space?

Open the garden-fit planner or soil calculator only when you need them.

Open garden tools Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather and garden conditions may vary.

About this variety

What to expect from Black Olive Pepper Seeds

Black Olive is an ornamental hot Capsicum annuum with dark foliage and fruit that become dark purple to black before eventually turning bright red. University of Missouri records an upright habit, and Penn State Extension confirms the cultivar is edible and very hot.

Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record

Black Olive. Black Olive is an ornamental hot Capsicum annuum with dark foliage and fruit that become dark purple to black before eventually turning bright red. University of Missouri records an upright habit, and Penn State Extension confirms the cultivar is edible and very hot.

About this variety

Black Olive is an ornamental hot Capsicum annuum with dark foliage and fruit that become dark purple to black before eventually turning bright red. University of Missouri records an upright habit, and Penn State Extension confirms the cultivar is edible and very hot.

Growing

Start pepper seed indoors about 8 weeks before the expected transplant date. Sow 1/4 inch deep in a sterile, well-drained seed-starting mix and keep the seed zone warm, about 80 to 90°F, until emergence. Move seedlings under strong light as soon as they emerge. Harden plants gradually, then transplant after frost danger has passed and outdoor conditions are reliably warm. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil near pH 6.0 to 6.5. Space plants about 18 inches apart with about 24 inches between rows. Water deeply and consistently without keeping the root zone saturated.

Harvest and use

Grow primarily for ornamental fruit and foliage, with edible hot peppers as a secondary use. For seed saving, allow selected fruit to reach the final bright red mature stage.

Saving seed

Select healthy plants that match the documented Black Olive fruit and plant traits. Peppers are primarily self-pollinating, but insects can move pollen between varieties. Use meaningful isolation or pollinator exclusion when varietal purity matters. Allow selected fruit to reach full mature color, extract well-developed seed, discard damaged seed, and dry seed promptly in a thin layer with good airflow away from direct sun or high heat. Store fully dry seed in a cool, dark, dry place with the cultivar, year, and lot clearly labeled. Wear gloves when processing hot or super-hot peppers. If you plan to save seed for future planting, confirm that the source stock is open-pollinated rather than hybrid before relying on saved seed to reproduce the line.

Additional variety overview

Black Olive is an ornamental hot Capsicum annuum with dark foliage and fruit that become dark purple to black before eventually turning bright red. University of Missouri records an upright habit, and Penn State Extension confirms the cultivar is edible and very hot. University of Missouri documented Black Olive among new bedding plants for 2012, noting upright growth, dark purple-black fruit, purple foliage, and purple flowers. Penn State Extension independently documents Black Olive as an ornamental hot pepper and describes final red maturity.
View all growing and care factsBotanical identity, timing, climate, soil, spacing, mature size, and crop-specific details

Plant identity

Minimum seed count 25 seeds
Seed product profile Pepper
Scientific name Capsicum annuum
Common name Black Olive Ornamental Pepper
Cultivar or variety Black Olive
Also known as Pepper, Pepper Seeds - Hot Pepper - Black Olive
Color Black
Life cycle Annual
Botanical family Solanaceae
Heritage qualifiers Heirloom
Native to the United States Domesticated Plant
Domestication note Mesoamerica (Mexico–Central America)

Seed success and gardener experience

Gardener experience Some experience is helpfulLevel 3 of 5
Germination difficulty Moderate or temperature-sensitiveLevel 3 of 5
Preparation before sowing Start in a clean, warm, evenly moist seed-starting mix and provide strong light immediately after emergence
Stratification Not normally required by the current record
Scarification Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination pattern Reliability depends strongly on correct preparation, temperature, moisture, and patience through the full emergence window
Growing complexity Warm-season crop requiring early seed starting in many regions, warmth, and attention to fruit load
Transplant sensitivity Transplant after slow hardening; cold conditions can stall growth
First harvest or bloom 90-99 Days
Best chance of success For Black Olive Pepper Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.

Timing and climate

Germination 7–14 Days
Germination temperature 75–90 °F
Planting season Spring
Bloom season Summer
Frost tolerance Tender
Sunlight Full sun
Water needs Moderate

Site, soil, and space

Soil type Loamy
Preferred soil pH 6.0–6.5
Seed depth 1/4 in
Plant spacing 18 in
Row spacing 24 in
Growth habit Upright/Erect
Suitable growing locations In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Containers, Community garden, Hydroponic, Indoor growing

Crop-specific details

Heat category Hot
Flavor profile Very hot ornamental pepper according to Penn State Extension. Heat intensity can vary with growing conditions and individual fruit.
Garden toolsOpen the garden-fit planner, planting-window questions, or soil calculator only when useful

Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather, soil, and garden conditions may vary.

Garden-fit planning for this variety

Will Black Olive Pepper Seeds fit your garden?

Check warmth, season length, growing space, harvest stage, and intended kitchen use.

Questions for this pepper seed
Seed-starting fit and patience
Recorded product profileSome experience is helpfulModerate or temperature-sensitiveRead why
Soil test, pH, drainage, and amendment calculator Have a laboratory soil report? Enter pH, nutrients, texture, bed size, and site observations here. Open soil tools
Recorded soil typeLoamy
Recorded pH range6.0–6.5
Water needsModerate
LightFull sun

Soil Readiness

for Pepper Plants (Capsicum spp.)

Where to get a soil test

Best option: your state’s Cooperative Extension soil testing lab.

Tip: Arid/alkaline regions (e.g., AZ, NM, UT, parts of CA) often use Olsen (bicarbonate) for phosphorus.
Adjusts P (ppm) target & interpretation.
Target 6.2–6.8
Ideal 4–8%
Target 40–60 ppm (Mehlich-3)
Target 150–200 ppm
Ok ≥ 1000 ppm
Ok ≥ 120 ppm
For pH adjustment size
For “shopping list” amounts
Interprets P by extractant; assumes ppm. Results are approximate.
Enter at least one value above, then Calculate.

Full growing record

Open only the section you need

How to start Black Olive Pepper Seeds from seedPreparation, timing, depth, germination, transplanting, spacing, and early care

Recorded germination plan

Expected germination
7–14 Days
Germination temperature
75–90 °F

Complete sowing and planting guidance

Start pepper seed indoors about 8 weeks before the expected transplant date. Sow 1/4 inch deep in a sterile, well-drained seed-starting mix and keep the seed zone warm, about 80 to 90°F, until emergence. Move seedlings under strong light as soon as they emerge. Harden plants gradually, then transplant after frost danger has passed and outdoor conditions are reliably warm. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil near pH 6.0 to 6.5. Space plants about 18 inches apart with about 24 inches between rows. Water deeply and consistently without keeping the root zone saturated.
How to grow this specific varietyLight, water, fertility, support, spacing, airflow, crop behavior, and season-long care

Variety-specific growing notes

Start pepper seed indoors about 8 weeks before the expected transplant date. Sow 1/4 inch deep in a sterile, well-drained seed-starting mix and keep the seed zone warm, about 80 to 90°F, until emergence. Move seedlings under strong light as soon as they emerge. Harden plants gradually, then transplant after frost danger has passed and outdoor conditions are reliably warm. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil near pH 6.0 to 6.5. Space plants about 18 inches apart with about 24 inches between rows. Water deeply and consistently without keeping the root zone saturated.

Complete growing guide

Start pepper seed indoors about 8 weeks before the expected transplant date. Sow 1/4 inch deep in a sterile, well-drained seed-starting mix and keep the seed zone warm, about 80 to 90°F, until emergence. Move seedlings under strong light as soon as they emerge. Harden plants gradually, then transplant after frost danger has passed and outdoor conditions are reliably warm. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil near pH 6.0 to 6.5. Space plants about 18 inches apart with about 24 inches between rows. Water deeply and consistently without keeping the root zone saturated.

Practical field and garden tips

1. Use the documented fruit color and form to keep Black Olive harvests true to type.

2. Keep soil moisture steady during flowering and fruit fill.

3. Harvest seed fruit only after full mature color is reached.

4. Use gloves when handling hot fruit, seed tissue, or dried pepper dust.

5. Treat maturity timing as a guide because temperature, season length, and harvest stage can shift actual timing.
Harvest, storage, uses, and benefitsWhen and how to harvest, ways to use the crop, storage, culinary value, habitat value, and garden roles

Harvest and use notes

Grow primarily for ornamental fruit and foliage, with edible hot peppers as a secondary use. For seed saving, allow selected fruit to reach the final bright red mature stage.

Select healthy plants that match the documented Black Olive fruit and plant traits. Peppers are primarily self-pollinating, but insects can move pollen between varieties. Use meaningful isolation or pollinator exclusion when varietal purity matters. Allow selected fruit to reach full mature color, extract well-developed seed, discard damaged seed, and dry seed promptly in a thin layer with good airflow away from direct sun or high heat. Store fully dry seed in a cool, dark, dry place with the cultivar, year, and lot clearly labeled. Wear gloves when processing hot or super-hot peppers. If you plan to save seed for future planting, confirm that the source stock is open-pollinated rather than hybrid before relying on saved seed to reproduce the line.

Uses and benefits

Grow primarily for ornamental fruit and foliage, with edible hot peppers as a secondary use. For seed saving, allow selected fruit to reach the final bright red mature stage.
Seed saving and carrying the variety forwardPollination, isolation, selection, harvest, cleaning, drying, and storage
Select healthy plants that match the documented Black Olive fruit and plant traits. Peppers are primarily self-pollinating, but insects can move pollen between varieties. Use meaningful isolation or pollinator exclusion when varietal purity matters. Allow selected fruit to reach full mature color, extract well-developed seed, discard damaged seed, and dry seed promptly in a thin layer with good airflow away from direct sun or high heat. Store fully dry seed in a cool, dark, dry place with the cultivar, year, and lot clearly labeled. Wear gloves when processing hot or super-hot peppers. If you plan to save seed for future planting, confirm that the source stock is open-pollinated rather than hybrid before relying on saved seed to reproduce the line.
Problems and answersPests, diseases, troubleshooting, practical response, and product-specific questions

Variety troubleshooting summary

Watch for aphids, flea beetles, whiteflies, thrips, mites, caterpillars, and pepper weevils where they occur. Disease and disorder concerns include damping-off, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, Phytophthora root or crown rot, mosaic viruses, blossom-end rot, sunscald, and flower drop. Use clean containers and tools, rotate away from other nightshades when practical, provide airflow, avoid prolonged leaf wetness, and keep soil moisture steady. Diagnose the cause before treating. Any documented resistance is limited to the named pathogen or virus and should not be read as broad disease resistance.

Q: Are Black Olive peppers edible?
A: Penn State Extension describes ornamental peppers, including Black Olive, as edible but very hot.

Q: What colors do the fruit show?
A: Institutional sources describe dark purple/black fruit that eventually turn bright red.

Q: What species is Black Olive?
A: Black Olive is Capsicum annuum.

Complete pest and problem guide

Watch for aphids, flea beetles, whiteflies, thrips, mites, caterpillars, and pepper weevils where they occur. Disease and disorder concerns include damping-off, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, Phytophthora root or crown rot, mosaic viruses, blossom-end rot, sunscald, and flower drop. Use clean containers and tools, rotate away from other nightshades when practical, provide airflow, avoid prolonged leaf wetness, and keep soil moisture steady. Diagnose the cause before treating. Any documented resistance is limited to the named pathogen or virus and should not be read as broad disease resistance.

Questions gardeners ask

Q: Are Black Olive peppers edible?
A: Penn State Extension describes ornamental peppers, including Black Olive, as edible but very hot.

Q: What colors do the fruit show?
A: Institutional sources describe dark purple/black fruit that eventually turn bright red.

Q: What species is Black Olive?
A: Black Olive is Capsicum annuum.
History, provenance, and cultural contextWhat is documented, what is reported, what remains uncertain, and how the variety reached gardeners

Scientific name: Capsicum annuum

Common name: Black Olive Ornamental Pepper

Cultivar or variety: Black Olive

Provenance summary

University of Missouri documented Black Olive among new bedding plants for 2012, noting upright growth, dark purple-black fruit, purple foliage, and purple flowers. Penn State Extension independently documents Black Olive as an ornamental hot pepper and describes final red maturity.

Plant and variety history

University of Missouri documented Black Olive among new bedding plants for 2012, noting upright growth, dark purple-black fruit, purple foliage, and purple flowers. Penn State Extension independently documents Black Olive as an ornamental hot pepper and describes final red maturity.

Source and record notes

https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2012/2/New-Bedding-Plants-for-2012/index.cfm
https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/adams/news/ornamental-peppers-are-hot-now
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_h/H240/index.html
https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-peppers
https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/peppers-in-the-garden
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1486
https://seedalliance.org/publications/sweet-pepper-breeding-and-seed-saving-guide/
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/cultural-tips-for-growing-peppers/

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Customer experience

Reviews for Black Olive Pepper Seeds

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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Helen Guthrie (United States)

.I’ve planted 6 and all 6 have germinated. I’m so excited about my garden this year. Tomorrow I’ll try to remember to get a picture of them, the first little leaves are black too. Love the color so far. Thank you

S
Samantha Hardy

I started them inside in a covered seed starter tray on a heat mat but they didn't come up

Hi Samantha, I'm sorry to hear your seeds didn't sprout. Sometimes, factors like soil conditions or moisture can affect germination. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like assistance or a replacement. We're here to help!

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