A green leafy vine growing as a ground cover or small climber. Dried fruits are the black and white pepper of commerce.

Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

A branching, woody vine that is a climber. Pepper can be trained across trellises or can climb other plants, walls, etc.

Hardiness

Hardy to 32F although growth will retard and damage may occur below 40F.

Growing Environment

It prefers a warm humid atmosphere with 50-100" of rain per year and a mean temperature from 75-80F. Blooming usually occurs in late summer or after periods of heavy rainfall. Fruits ripen 3-4 months later.

Propagation

By seeds, divisions.

Uses

Dried, unripe fruits form black pepper, used as a spice worldwide. Ripe, peeled, dried fruits form white pepper, also used as a spice.

Native Range

Native to the humid tropics of southwestern India. Pepper is now cultivated worldwide.

Additional Pictures

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