Black Pepper plant, Piper nigrum


Black Pepper plant, Piper nigrum

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallVine or creeper plantSemi-shadeShadeRegular waterSpice or herb plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Fragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

Black pepper. Grow your own spice! Pepper is cultivated since millennia. While black and white pepper were already known in antiquity, but green pepper (and even more, red pepper) is a recent invention. Black pepper, grown in Southern India since more than two thousand years, has always been much valued all over the world. Pungent and aromatic. The pungency is strongest in white pepper and weakest in green pepper, while black and green pepper are more aromatic than the white one. Moderate growing vine that can be grown on a trellis. Prefers shade to semi-shade.
See Article about this plant.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
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Grown in
10"/3 gal pot
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$49.95

Plant type
Fruit plant, Spice or herb plant
Fruit type
Black pepper
Plant form ?
Bush
Mature height ?
5-10 ft tall
Sun exposure
Semi-shade, Shade
USDA zone ?
Zone 9-11.
Hardiness ?
Light freezing, 30F for short period of time, mature plants. Young plants must be protected.
Watering
Regular watering
Growing conditions
Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone, Small backyard, Pot-growing, Indoors
Fragrance
Fragrant plant
Ethnomedical
Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements or products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All customers should consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals, or medicines.
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This item is certified for shipping to California, Texas, Louisiana.

Black Pepper plant, Piper nigrum: Planting and Care Instructions

Plant Overview

Growth habit: This plant grows as a medium-sized bush, about 5 to 10 feet tall. It is easy to manage, fits well in most garden spaces, and can also be grown in a large container or shaped through pruning to suit smaller areas.

Growing conditions: This plant can be grown outdoors in the suitable USDA zone. It is well-suited for small backyards, pots, or indoor spaces with enough light.

Watering: This plant requires regular watering. Water it when the top layer of soil begins to dry out.

Sun exposure: This plant grows in low light or semi-shade. It’s suitable for spots that get only a bit of sun or mostly shade.

USDA Zone: Zone 9-11. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map categorizes North America into zones based on average annual minimum winter temperatures, each differing by 10 °F. This map serves as a basic guide for selecting appropriate plants for a region. However, it's not definitive; plant varieties vary in cold tolerance, and young plants typically need more protection. Additionally, local microclimates, like sheltered areas or sunny spots, can influence plant health and survivability beyond the general zone recommendation.

Hardiness: Light freezing, 30F for short period of time, mature plants. Young plants must be protected. Plant hardiness indicates the coldest temperature a mature plant can endure briefly while staying healthy. This rating is a guideline and can vary among varieties of the same species. Young plants often need more cold protection. Additionally, a plant's survival can be enhanced by the microclimate of its location, which may provide shelter from wind or extra warmth, allowing it to thrive beyond its typical hardiness range.

Plant type: This is a fruit (Black pepper) tree. With proper care, it will grow tasty delicious delicious fruits. It is also used as a spice or herb.

Fragrance: This plant is known for its pleasant fragrance, adding a lovely scent to gardens or indoor spaces.

Ethnomedicinal: This plant has ethnomedical uses and has been traditionally valued in folk or indigenous medicine. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements or products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All customers should consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals, or medicines.

Outdoor planting

Plant in well-draining soil and choose a location that matches the plant light and space needs. Improve poor soils by mixing in compost or organic matter. Dig a hole twice as wide and no deeper than the root ball - planting too deep can harm the plant. For better drainage, position the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above ground level. Water thoroughly after planting. Outdoor plants may need temporary shade during the first weeks to protect them from strong sun or heat. Watch the soil moisture closely and water regularly until the plant is well established. Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture and reduce weeds, forming a shallow basin to hold water. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk or stem to prevent rot.

Indoor planting

Use a container with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil - avoid planting too deep. A slow-release fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at planting time to support healthy growth. Place the plant in a location that matches its light needs, and water according to its care requirements. Be careful not to overwater, and ensure good airflow around the plant to reduce the risk of pests and disease.

Protecting Plants in Winter

When it gets cold, some plants need extra help. You can move potted plants indoors or under a covered patio. Young plants need extra protection because they are more sensitive to cold and less established. For plants in the ground, use frost cloth to keep them warm. Stop using fertilizer in late fall so plants can rest. Try to place plants in areas protected from cold wind, rain, and frost.

Cold Hardiness and Microclimates

USDA zone and hardiness are only general guidelines. Actual cold tolerance can vary based on plant variety and local conditions. Even small differences between varieties can matter. Also, warmer spots in your yard—like near a wall or fence—can help plants survive cold nights. These little warm areas are called microclimates, and they make a big difference.

Outdoor and indoor planting instructions