Piper nigrum

Also Known As

Black Pepper
White Pepper

Plant type

perennial, herb, vine

size

H: 12'-15'
W: 12'-15'

planting zones

10b-11

More Options

Piper nigrum plant details

Piper nigrum is a broadleaf evergreen perennial herb or vine with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Grows well with bright shade - dappled shade and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Piper nigrum

Plant type: perennial herb or vine
Plant family: schisandraceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 FT - 15 FT - wide, 12 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, edible, houseplant, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Piper nigrum

USDA Zones: 10b - 11
Sun exposure: bright shade - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Piper nigrum is the vine grown commercially as a spice crop specifically for the hot pungent peppercorn fruits that we use as culinary pepper. The same plant can be used to produce black, white, green, and red peppercorns all depending on time of harvest and subsequent treatment. The flowers are small and produced on pendulous spikes up to 3 inches long. This woody vine can reach up to 20 feet in length and 3 feet in width very quickly with thick, leathery leaves. Makes a cool and attractive houseplant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

The Black Pepper of commerce, this South Asian tropical vine produces chains of small round fruit. By choosing the time of harvest and the method of processing, all four types of peppercorns (black, white, green and red) can be harvested from the same plant. Plants require high temperature and optimum light for fruiting. Piper nigrum blooms freely through the summer months and the fruits ripen the following year. Young plants can take 3-4 years to come into bloom but even modest-sized plants will yield hundreds of peppercorns. Soon you'll be able to grind your own peppercorns for fresh, aromatic pepper!

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

Piper nigrum is a native of India. A weak climbing vine that is the true source of black pepper. The peppercorns are usually picked when the first berry begins to turn red. In 3-4 days they can be dried and ground. Fruiting year round, likes warmth and humidity, cannot freeze. We grow and ship in 4" pots.