Peppercorn

Black pepper plant, is a flowering vine dates back to about 3000 bce in the area of Malabar coast in India. Black pepper is one of the earliest commodities that was traded by many civilizations of antiquity. Peppercorn was used to pay rent, as a dowry, and to pay taxes. As a spice it holds great value, so much so it was directly involved in the expeditions of Portugal, Spain, Dutch. Many ventured out to find fame, fortune, adventure and the fastest route. Black pepper plant was so popular it was found in Ramses II nasal cavity. The fruit is what is ground down and used for various purposes mostly as a spice, but has other like medicinal and commercial. Peppercorn is slow growing perennial that takes a year to mature. As a woody perennial vine peppercorn can live for about 30 years with the proper conditions and commercially 12-20 years. Peppercorn can be grown in a container, but will eventually need to be transplanted because the root system grows so large. Unless your gowning a specific cutting from the plant, that can be grown in a pot. Plants can grow up to 30 feet tall and under cultivated conditions there limited to 10-14 feet, roots can grow to 13 feet area. This can be a challenge to grow but worth it to have fresh peppercorn.

Black pepper is an unripe fruit that is dried and cooked to procure a spicy heat. has small, dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers. Peppercorn plants like tropical regions and prefer warm, humid climates. grown best in USDA zones 10-12, but they will need to be brought indoors during the winter if you live in a colder climate. The peppercorn plant can be easy to grow if the conditions are right. It can be grown indoors or outdoors in a warm, humid climate. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Peppercorn plants can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

Botanical name: Piper Nigrum

Dep: 1/2"	Space: 12-15'	Row: 12-15'	Temp: 75-85F
Germ: 3-4 wks	Sun: Partial	pH: 6.5-7.0	Harvest: 1 + yrs
Soil: Moist, well drained	Container: 5-gallon	Fert: 10-10-10	Fert Freq: 3-4 wks

If your interested in growing peppercorn plants, you can start with seeds or seedlings. To speed up the process Soak the seeds overnight in warm water. This will help to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates. Fill a pot or seed tray with a well-draining potting mix. Peppercorn seeds can be planted directly in the ground or in a pot. There is technically 4 ways to grow, 1 is by seed the other 3 by cuttings or grafts. If your direct sowing, plant the seeds ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart early spring. Plants and seeds like temperatures that are between 65-85F. If you are planting in a pot, plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart early spring. Peppercorn plants need full or partial sun and well-drained soil. Germination for this vine takes a while about 3-4 weeks. Transplant Once the seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves and are 6 inches tall. they can be transplanted into their permanent location preferably a raised bed with a trellis or tree to climb.

Plant should be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Just remember these plants don’t like the roots water logged. Peppercorn plants can be fertilized every month during the growing season, but not during your areas rainy season Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Peppercorn plants can be harvested when the berries are still green.

Harvest the fruit when it is still green and dry it in a warm, well-ventilated area. Fruit is hand pocked or a machine is used. Simple pull individual pods when they start to turn red or cut the whole spike, or bundle off. Let dry in a cool dark place and process as needed.

Peppercorn plants are vines and will need support as they grow. You can use a trellis, fence , a tree to support the plants.

Plant the seeds in a well-drained pots or rasied bed.

fruits of the peppercorn plant are drupes, which are small, round berries. When the drupes are unripe, they are green in color. When they are ripe, they turn red. The drupes are harvested when they are still green and are then processed to produce black peppercorns, white peppercorns, and green peppercorns. 

Peppercorns are a versatile and beneficial spice that has been used for centuries. They are a valuable addition to any kitchen or garden. They can be a challenge to grow but With proper care, peppercorn plants can produce fruit for many years. harvested when it is still green and then dried. The dried fruit can be used as a spice or ground into a powder.