There are 18 varieties that I am aware of. They range in color from pale purple to almost black. All are red at maturity. Most will be standard size ( around 4 inches) Lilac Which I have grown and liked, size is similar to California Wonder) Purple Beauty, Tequila, Purple Star, Purple Glory, Purple Bell,Iko Iko, Merlot,Patella, Cardinal, Licata, Pinot Noir, Purple Flame. Mavras and Blackbird are near black when exposed to the sun.
Mavras {{gwi:86760}} {{gwi:134616}}

The ripening process that takes the peppers to red only occurs after the fruit has reached full size. Flavor changes, but not size. So if you want purple color, just pick them when they reach the color you like.

Here are some purple peppers.
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This purple variety is call Tequilla, I believe it is from the Tomato Growers seed website. We have been growing it for many years and have been very happy with them. The do not grow as big as some of the greens, but I can not keep them in stock when I take them to market.

The best thing about the purple is they start off purple and then turn red. They offer color to the green peppers you can produce early in the season.

Jay

They are so pretty! Thanks for sharing jrslick.

Thank you Donna for the info about ripening, and thank you for the list Farmerdill!! I'll have to order and try some of these this year.

Jay, your peppers are just lovely!

I think I'm putting Lilac and Tequila on the top of the list based on both of your recommendations.