Black Pepper

Overview

Black pepper is a woody climbing vine. Its flower spikes develop into strings of small green berries that become black, white, or green peppercorns depending on how they are processed.

History

Native to southern India, where it has been grown and traded for thousands of years.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Needs warmth, humidity, steady moisture, and partial shade.
• Not the same as the invasive false kava (Piper auritum), which should not be planted.

Planting and propagation

• Root cuttings with several nodes in moist potting mix, then plant at the base of a support.
• Tie stems to the support.

Care and maintenance

• Mulch heavily and keep moist.
• Prune to keep it within reach.

Role in the guild

Grow it up gliricidia or another sturdy support tree in a wet-side guild.

Harvest

Pick spikes when a few berries begin to turn red. Dry green berries in the sun until black for black pepper.

Uses

• Food: peppercorns.

Problems to watch

• Root rot in waterlogged soil.

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.