Count Dacula
Easy to Grow
Non-GMO & Natural
High Germination Rate
Loved by Chefs
“Spooktacular Black Peppers! Unique & Ornamental.”
The Count Dracula pepper (Capsicum annuum) is an ornamental chili known for its striking, gothic appearance with dark foliage and pods that ripen from a deep, glossy black to blood-red. It is valued for its unique decorative qualities but also offers a usable medium heat and flavor.
- Flavor: Often described as having a fruity sweetness with a slightly smoky and earthy undertone. While primarily ornamental, it has more flavor complexity than some other ornamental peppers.
- Heat: Moderate, with a range of 5,000–30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This places its heat level somewhere between a mild jalapeño and a standard cayenne, making it suitable for adding a kick to dishes without overwhelming them.
- Origin: The exact origin of the Count Dracula is unknown, but some sources suggest it may be a Romanian heirloom.
- Appearance: Its most notable feature is its dark aesthetic. The leaves are a deep, sometimes almost black, green, and the flowers are a beautiful violet or purple. The conical pods are about 2 inches long, emerging black and maturing to a vibrant, crimson red, with both colors often visible on the plant at once.
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Culinary Uses:
- Hot Sauces and Salsas: Its heat and fruity, smoky flavor are well-suited for adding depth to hot sauces and salsas.
- Drying: Can be dried and ground into a chili powder for seasoning.
- Themed Dishes: The dark foliage and unique ripening of the pods make it a great addition to dishes for Halloween or other themed events.
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Ornamental: Due to its dramatic foliage and colorful pods, it is widely grown for decorative purposes in gardens or containers.
The Count Dracula pepper is a truly unique and visually striking variety. This ornamental pepper boasts jet-black foliage and stunning purple flowers, creating a dramatic display in any garden. The 2-inch long, black peppers ripen to a vibrant blood red, adding further intrigue. While primarily grown for their ornamental value, these peppers offer a moderate heat level with a slightly fruity flavor.
Note: This pepper is primarily grown for its ornamental value, but the fruits are edible.
Count Dacula
Seeds You Can Trust
Grown for Kitchens, Loved by Gardens
Seeds with a story, flavor, and strength.
Our peppers aren’t just seeds — they’re carefully preserved varieties chosen for vigor, reliability, and exceptional taste. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, every seed is selected to deliver strong germination, abundant harvests, and the culinary character chefs and gardeners crave. 🌱🔥
💡 Need growing advice? See our How to Grow Peppers in Canada blog post for step-by-step tips.
From Seed to Kitchen
Rare & Culinary-Grade Pepper Seeds
Our pepper seeds are curated for chefs, growers, and adventurous gardeners who want more than just a harvest. Each variety is open-pollinated and non-GMO, selected for flavor integrity, strong germination, and cultural heritage. These aren’t generic peppers — they’re living links to food traditions around the world, from mountain-grown rocotos to tropical biquinhos. Whether you’re chasing authentic flavors or abundant yields, every packet connects your garden to global cuisine.
Frequent Asked Questions
Q: Are your seeds suitable for home gardeners and professional chefs?
Absolutely! Our seeds are chosen for exceptional flavor, vibrant growth, and reliable yields—perfect for home gardens, restaurant kitchens, and culinary professionals alike.
Q: What does “heritage” or “heirloom” mean for your seeds?
Heritage and heirloom seeds are traditional varieties passed down through generations, valued for their flavor, history, and ability to be saved and replanted.
Q: How high is the germination rate of your seeds?
Our seeds are tested for high germination rates, ensuring strong, healthy plants when grown under proper conditions.
Q: Do you offer rare or specialty varieties?
Yes—we pride ourselves on offering unique, flavorful, and hard-to-find varieties that bring diversity and richness to your culinary creations.
