Sage Garden Herbs - Black Pepper Vine

Black Pepper Vine - 12" Pot

CAD $49.95

Currently Available: Pre-Book now for pick up in May, 2012

Description: Very cool! We have offered Black Pepper plants in limited supply for quite a few years, but it is exciting to have excellent inventory available for 2012! This is the source of true peppercorns, which can in fact be used fresh or dried. The plants themselves are attractive, with deep olive green leaves that grow as a bushy, tropical looking vine.

The Black Pepper plants available now are large, 2-3 foot tall specimens. The larger size gives you a significant head start on establishing a gorgeous container specimen, and you can expect these plants to bear peppercorns.

Latin Name: Piper nigrum
Main Uses: Culinary

Zone Hardiness: Tropical
Exposure: Diffused light outdoors / bright light indoors
Ht: 90+ cm. (3+ feet) as a houseplant
Flower Color: Green
Flowering Time: On and off, but strongest in summer.

Black Pepper Vine - 12" Pot

CAD $49.95

Pruning: Snip stem tips periodically to encourage branching.

Harvesting: Peppercorns are harvested when plump, deep green and shiny. The fresh peppercorns have an amazing peppery flavour!

Fruiting: Fruting occurs on Black Pepper once plants mature, where warm temperatures are maintained year round, and where nutrient rich soil is provided.

Growing in Containers: Very well suited to containers.

Fertilizing (Containers): Add 25% Sea Soil to potting mix at time of transplant, then fertilize with Earth Safe All Purpose or other balanced organic fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Not well suited for mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Not well suited to in-ground gardens.

Watering (Garden): Not well suited to in-ground gardens.

Black Pepper Vine - 12" Pot

CAD $49.95

Suitability for Indoors: Excellent houseplant!

Exposure: Brightest available.

What about Grow Lights? Grow lights are not required, but will keep plants actively growing during the short daylight hours of winter.

General Indoor Care: This variety is happy when grown warm year round. Bring indoors by Labour Day, and choose a location that is bright and never gets below 15 C. Although Black Pepper requires shade outdoors during the summer, it is best to provide a bright location when growing indoors. If leaves become sun scalded, move away from direct exposure to sun. Avoid heat/air conditioning vents. To improve humidity for your plants, set up a pebble tray; this is simply a layer of rocks set on the plant's saucer (not in the pot, but below it!). Any water that runs through the drainage holes is captured among the rocks and evaporates up around the plants. Rinse plants under fast flowing fresh water every few weeks to remove dust and significantly reduce the chance of pest problems.

Indoor Container Suggestions: Minimum deep 6" pot with excellent drainage. The ultimate size of this variety is very much influenced by the size of container you choose. However, pot up in increments of 2".

Winter Fertilizing: Repot or refresh soil in fall, when bringing pots indoors. Add up to 25% quality compost. No additional fertilizing is required between October and January. As light levels go up, and new growth emerges, start fertilizing monthly, using a balanced organic plant food. If growing under lights, fertilize bi-weekly right through winter. Non-organic fertilizers are not recommended, as these can cause burning or difficult-to-manage changes in the soil.

Winter Watering: Water deeply when top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Check soil moisture at least once per week. As daylight hours increase, watering requirements will also increase.

Special Instructions: During the transition from summer to winter - especially where plants move from outdoors in - Black Pepper can experience some stress. A common symptom of this stress is a certain amount of leaf drop. Don't worry if this occurs, new growth will follow shortly. Pay attention to avoid over watering during this period - only water as the top inch of soil dries out. It is a great idea to mist/spritz Black Pepper during the winter months.

Links to More Information:

Tropical Spice & Fruiting Plants

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