disastrous peppercorns ( Piper nigrum ) originate well in tropic areas . The commend region are USDA zones 10 and above . you could still grow it in colder climates , but it will require some supernumerary guardianship . luckily , black pepper relieve oneself a great container plant . Move it into the house or a greenhouse when the weather cools and keep it growing year - pear-shaped .
Propagation and seedlings
you could growPiper nigrumfrom seed , and some nurseryman propagate this way . Only fresh seeds can be bourgeon just like many other tropical plant . They do not store well . It incline to have a slow growth charge per unit , so most the great unwashed purchase get-go or propagateblack pepperthrough cutting .
If growing in a container , use a fluffy coir - based potting soil with vermiculite and compost mixed into it . This will prevent the pot from getting compacted or waterlogged , but still , permit it to lay in a lot of moisture .
outside you are expect for a robust , well - draining soil . Peppercorn root can tolerate some clay grunge but are susceptible to rot if depart in standing water .

Plant Care
There are always three aspects of the environment to look at when seek to leave a plant with its idealistic setting .
Temperature
Never let the temperature knock off below 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) . This will cause the plant to quit get . It will raise again if put back in the heat , but it may take a while to find . Peppercorn plant already have slow growth rate and may take up to three years to bring about yield .
Moisture
The humidity should be above 50 % . If you live in a dry clime , consider growing peppercorn in a greenhouse where humidness can be controlled . In warm zones where plants are in the ground , make certain to stick to a regular watering agenda .
Sunlight
Most commercial-grade producers ofpeppercornuse an overstory harvest to filtrate the sun . Peppercorn plants favor dappled light as opposed to lineal sunshine . If your plant is growing indoors , there ’s no need to interest about filtering the light . Outdoor plants can get burned by too much direct light . Possible overstory trees let in coffee and cacao , mango , citrus fruit , and figs .
Tips and Tricks
Feed peppercorn plant using a general all - purpose constituent liquid fertilizer or compost tea every calendar month through the summer time of year . Do not feed during the winter months .
While there is a general vehemence on keepingpeppercornwell water , over - tearing leads to its own problems . Stick to a steady agenda for best results . Mulching around the foundation of plants helps interlock in wet and keep plant from dry out out .
utilize a greenhouse to gain humidity in regions where it may be low . Supplement light if growing indoors to encourage better yield yield .