Facts on Black Pepper Plants

By Carol Wiley, eHow Contributor

Black pepper plants, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, are climbing vines with branches. These woody perennial vines produce fleshy fruits called drupes that contain a single seed. The dried fruits are called peppercorns. Black pepper plants belong to the plant family Piperaceae and are native to tropical forests in regions of the southwest Indian subcontinent.

Growing Conditions

• The pepper plant grows best in warm, wet climates that have a minimum of 100 inches of annual rain and no frosts. Because the plant is a climbing vine, it must have a tree, stake or other structure for support. The pepper vine can grow 12 feet tall, according to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. The vines like soil rich in organic matter and do not grow well above an altitude of 3,000 feet. You can grow smaller pepper plants at home, if you have a site with rich soil, partial shade, lots of water and humid conditions.

Description

• The pepper plant's almond- or heart-shaped leaves are about 4 inches long and grow in an alternating arrangement on the stems. Clusters of whitish to yellow-green flowers grow along flowering stalks called spikes that are usually 5 to 6 inches long. The flowers develop into round fruits that are green at first and turn red as they ripen.

ses

• The dried peppercorns from the black pepper plant are used to make pepper. Peppercorns can produce green, white or black pepper, depending on when the fruit is harvested and how it is treated after harvest. Black pepper accounts for 20 percent of the world spice trade, according to the Arkansas extension service. The spiciness of black pepper is from the chemical piperine.

Pepper Production

• Green fruits are used to produce either green or black pepper. For black pepper, the fruits are dried in the sun until they turn black. For green pepper, the peppercorns are subjected to a treatment such as sulfur dioxide, canning or freeze-drying to retain the green color. White pepper is produced from red fruits that have had the outer red skin removed, usually by soaking them in water for about a week, though other methods are also available for removing the outer skin.

Considerations

• Black pepper plants begin to bear fruit when the plants are 2 years old and produce fruit for up to 40 years. Pink peppercorns are not from Piper nigrum but from a species called Schinus molle.

Source: http://www.ehow.com

Can You Grow a Black Pepper Plant From a Black Pepper Seed From the Grocery Store?

Peppercorns are the dried fruits of the Piper Nigrum plant. This plant is a vertical vine native to India, but you can grow the plant temperate climates around the world. The soil must maintain a temperature of between 75 and 80 degrees F until the seeds germinate. If your soil is not warm enough, plant the seeds in pots and bring them indoors during colder months.

Piper Nigrum Seeds

• Peppercorns are the fruit of the Piper Nigrum plant. Each fruit contains a single seed, and that seed will germinate if the fruit is planted in fertile soil that maintains the required temperature until the seed sprouts.

Culinary Peppercorns

• Peppercorns found in grocery stores should not be planted. Those meant for culinary use have been dried and treated to prevent germination so the peppercorns will not sprout in storage. While there is a small possibility they could germinate if planted properly, it is unlikely. Even if the seeds do sprout, there is a chance that the plant would be weak or unhealthy because of the treatment process, so it is advisable to avoid using culinary peppercorns and instead obtain seeds meant for growing.

1. Buying Peppercorn Seeds

   • Because Piper Nigrum is native to India, you may not be able to find these seeds locally. Harvest viable seeds from existing plants, or obtain them through specialty seed catalogs or websites. It may be difficult to locate the seeds, because many companies do not carry them.
   Growing Peppercorn Plants
   • Unless you live in a very warm climate with mild weather year-round, grow peppercorn plants in containers so you can bring them indoors when the weather is cold. Use one 5-gallon pot for three peppercorn plants. Fill the container with a quality potting soil that contains a good amount of organic compost. Use your finger to poke three 1-inch-deep holes in the soil about 3 to 4 inches apart and 3 inches away from the sides of the container. Drop one seed into each hole, then cover with soil and water. Water the plants about three times per week, and keep the soil moist. Peppercorn plants do not tolerate dry soil very well.

Source: http://www.ehow.com

How to Grow Black Pepper (Peppercorns)

Black pepper, Piper nigrum, is a tropical plant that is grown for black pepper, white pepper, and red peppercorns. The three colors of peppercorns are different stages of the same peppercorn.

Instructions

1. Pepper is a warm growing plant that will stop growing when below 65F and will not tolerate any amount of frost. Fortunately they make very good container plants.
2. Pipers like to be in partial to full sun with 50% or better humidity (although they do fine below 50%) Plants should be watered thoroughly when soil appears dry.
3. Pipers are moderate to light feeders and should be fed with a 10-10-10 fertilizer 1/4 tsp per gallon every 1-2 weeks (discontinuing in the winter)
4. For peppercorn production, pipers should be grown under bright light and kept warm. They are vining in nature and slow growing. It will take a couple of years before they start producing flowers then peppercorns.

Source: http://www.ehow.com