Big Black Mama (Capsicum chinense) 2L Pot

Big Black Mama is a superhot Capsicum chinense variety grown for its large, heavily textured fruit and dark brown colouring.

The plant develops a bushy, branching habit with broad green leaves. Its fruit begins green before ripening to chocolate brown or very dark reddish brown.

The mature peppers are usually wrinkled and irregular in shape. Individual fruit may develop pointed ends or short tails, although appearance can vary between plants.

Big Black Mama has an immediate and persistent heat accompanied by a fruity, earthy flavour. The peppers are suited to hot sauces, powders and cooked dishes where only a small quantity is required.

In the UK, Big Black Mama requires greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation for reliable growth and fruit ripening.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
Common name: Big Black Mama
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Bushy annual or tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 80–120 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Broad green leaves
Flowers: Small pale flowers
Fruit: Large, heavily wrinkled peppers ripening from green to dark brown
Heat level: Extremely hot
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Big Black Mama in fertile, well-draining compost in a consistently warm and bright position. Transfer the plant into a large, stable container as it develops.

Keep the compost evenly moist throughout active growth. Avoid prolonged waterlogging and repeated wilting during flowering and fruit development.

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young fruit appear.

The branches may require support when carrying mature peppers.

Big Black Mama should remain under cover in most parts of the UK. Cool conditions can considerably slow its growth and delay fruit ripening.

The plant may be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position.

Fruiting in the UK

Big Black Mama can produce fruit in the UK when given a long, warm growing season.

The peppers may take considerable time to develop their mature brown colour. Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation is strongly recommended.

Fruit shape, surface texture and colour may vary naturally between plants and growing conditions.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one Big Black Mama Chilli plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Mature fruit colour and shape cannot be guaranteed to appear identically on every plant.

Important Information

Big Black Mama peppers are extremely hot.

Wear disposable gloves when harvesting or preparing the fruit. Avoid touching your eyes, face or contact lenses and wash all utensils and work surfaces after use.

Steam or vapour produced while cooking very hot peppers may cause irritation. Keep the fruit away from children and pets.