Goat Weed
The Goat Weed pepper (Capsicum annuum), also known as the Black Cobra pepper, is an ornamental chili prized for its stunning foliage and dramatic color-changing pods. It is native to Venezuela and is a prolific, heat-tolerant producer. ·...
- Origin
- Venezuela
The Goat Weed pepper (Capsicum annuum), also known as the Black Cobra pepper, is an ornamental chili prized for its stunning foliage and dramatic color-changing pods. It is native to Venezuela and is a prolific, heat-tolerant producer.
- Flavor: Often described as having a biting, somewhat bitter flavor with notes of black pepper or herbs. It is not known for its complex flavor profile, as it is primarily bred for its striking ornamental appeal.
- Heat: Medium-high to hot, with a heat level ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), similar to a standard cayenne pepper.
- Origin: An heirloom variety originally from Venezuela.
- Appearance: Its most distinctive features are its fuzzy silver hairs on the leaves and stems and its dramatic pod ripening. The 2–3-inch pods grow upright and change color from a light green to a deep, glossy black and finally to a brilliant red when mature. All three colors can be present on the plant at the same time.
- Culinary Uses: While primarily ornamental, the heat of the pods makes them suitable for adding a kick to dishes. They can be used fresh in sauces and marinades, but their flavor is best concentrated when dried and made into chili flakes or powder.
Goat Weed Pepper seeds produce prolific plants with an abundance of small, intensely flavorful peppers. These unique peppers offer a spicy kick and add a unique flavor dimension to a variety of dishes.
Experience the fiery abundance of Goat Weed Pepper seeds! These unique seeds produce prolific plants that yield an impressive harvest of small, intensely flavorful peppers. Known for their spicy kick, Goat Weed Peppers offer a distinct flavor profile that adds a unique dimension to a variety of culinary creations.
Whether you’re looking to add a fiery punch to salsas, sauces, or stir-fries, Goat Weed Peppers are a versatile and rewarding choice. Their compact size makes them ideal for pickling, while their abundant harvest ensures a plentiful supply of these flavorful gems.
Growers will appreciate the prolific nature of Goat Weed Pepper plants, which consistently deliver a bountiful harvest. These unique peppers are a must-try for any pepper enthusiast seeking a spicy and flavorful addition to their garden and kitchen.
Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Germinate at 26–30 °C on a heat mat; peppers stall below 22 °C. Pot up to 10–15 cm before hardening off outside after nights stay above 12 °C.
Feed balanced through bloom, then bump potassium for fruiting. Stake taller varieties. More detail in our full Canadian growing guide.
Match the pepper to the technique: thin-walled varieties blister fast in a hot pan; thick-walled ones roast or stuff beautifully; fruit-forward ones make balanced sauces and pickles. The variety's flavour profile is your shortcut — see Choosing the right pepper for a use-case guide.




