The most commonly used spice in the world, Piper nigrum blooms freely through the summer months and the fruits ripen the following year. Black Pepper has reported health benefits such as: it increases nutrient absorption, improves heart rate and blood pressure, promotes healthy cell growth and digestion, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and enhances the immune system. Green and red peppercorn fruits are often found on the plant at the same time. The red fruit is the ripening fruit. The peppercorn can be picked whether the color is green or red depending on which type of peppercorn you desire. If you want black or green pepper as your final color then, harvest the peppercorn when it’s green. If you want white or red pepper, then harvest the peppercorn when it is red. Black Pepper has a vining habit so it grows well in a basket or in a pot with a stake or trellis for support. When grown as a houseplant, it needs moderate light in an east or west window and it should be placed directly on the windowsill or close to your light source if grown in a light garden. It does benefit from some direct sunlight but not hot noonday sun. Like other tropical plants, Black Pepper can be grown outside during the summer months and brought inside for the winter. Grows 18-36″. Hardy to Zone 10. Photo courtesy of Logee’s.
Black Pepper Vine (Piper nigrum)
Description
The most commonly used spice in the world, Piper nigrum blooms freely through the summer months and the fruits ripen the following year. Black Pepper has reported health benefits such as: it increases nutrient absorption, improves heart rate and blood pressure, promotes healthy cell growth and digestion, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and enhances the immune system. Green and red peppercorn fruits are often found on the plant at the same time. The red fruit is the ripening fruit. The peppercorn can be picked whether the color is green or red depending on which type of peppercorn you desire. If you want black or green pepper as your final color then, harvest the peppercorn when it’s green. If you want white or red pepper, then harvest the peppercorn when it is red. Black Pepper has a vining habit so it grows well in a basket or in a pot with a stake or trellis for support. When grown as a houseplant, it needs moderate light in an east or west window and it should be placed directly on the windowsill or close to your light source if grown in a light garden. It does benefit from some direct sunlight but not hot noonday sun. Like other tropical plants, Black Pepper can be grown outside during the summer months and brought inside for the winter. Grows 18-36″. Hardy to Zone 10. Photo courtesy of Logee’s.
