Piper nigrum. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Peppercorns. The plant produces excellent yields of black peppercorns. It is a popular herb variety prized for its flavor and is ubiquitous in kitchens across the country. Use them in any recipe that calls for pepper. Black pepper goes well with basil, beef, cilantro, coconut milk, creamy sauces, eggs, fermented soybeans, garlic, ginger, lemon, pork, red wine, seafood, soy sauce, and vegetables. Peppercorns are dried and used to make black pepper. You can grow this tropical tree in containers and bring it indoors in the fall. Try growing your own black pepper plant. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 190223. A variety from India.
How to Grow Peppercorn Seeds. Follow the planting instructions below and use Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Mix for successful germination.
Growing Piper nigrum from seed is possible but slow and requires patience.
Seeds Per Pound: 8,000
Plant Height: Climbing Vines (10 to 15 ft vines)
Sunlight: Partial Shade/Full Sun
Planting Method: Indoor Sow
Planting Instructions
Planting Instructions: Peppercorn seeds need rich soil, plenty of water, humidity, and partial shade. Plant seeds indoors ½" deep. For proper germination, keep the seeds damp and at 50% humidity or higher, with temperatures between 75°F to 85°F. After the seeds germinate, keep the soil moist and prevent it from drying out. Transplant into larger pots as the seedling grows. Seeds are recalcitrant (sensitive to drying) and lose viability quickly, so plant seeds upon arrival. Soak in water for a few hours. Plant seeds ¼" deep. Cover lightly with a thin layer of Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Mix and water gently.
Soil Facts: Requires well-prepared soil.
Fertilizer: Use a general-purpose fertilizer when preparing the soil.
Germination: 45 days (sometimes longer) at 75°F to 85°F.