
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Bring a dash of the tropics to your space with the Black Pepper Plant (Piper nigrum). This climbing vine treats you to glossy, heart-shaped leaves and, with a bit of patience, clusters of peppercorns you can dry and grind fresh at home. It’s compact, trellis-friendly, and perfect for bright rooms, patios, or small urban gardens.
Let it climb a moss pole or trellis for a lush, vertical display. The delicate flower spikes mature into green berries that turn red as they ripen—your cue to pick and process for fragrant, kitchen-ready pepper.
Black Pepper Plant Care
Give bright, indirect light or gentle morning sun with afternoon shade; aim for 6–8 hours of strong, filtered light. Keep temperatures at 65–85°F (18–29°C) and avoid drops below 55°F (13°C). Maintain 60–80% humidity with a pebble tray, humidifier, or frequent misting. Plant in a rich, free-draining mix (potting soil with fine bark and perlite), slightly acidic at pH 5.5–6.5. Water when the top 1 inch feels dry; soak thoroughly and let excess drain.
Feed every 3–4 weeks in spring through early fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer at ¼–½ strength; flush with plain water monthly to prevent salt buildup. Tip-prune after harvest to encourage branching and keep vines tidy. Best outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 10–12; in cooler zones, grow indoors or move containers inside before nights dip below 55°F. Expect flowering and fruiting in 2–3 years with consistent warmth, light, and humidity.
Black Pepper Plant Spacing
Specimen: allow a 3–4 foot spread at the base and keep 18–24 inches from walls for airflow and training access.
Trellis/row plantings: space vines 3–4 feet apart on center along a fence, arbor, or wire.
Containers: start in an 8–10 inch pot with large drain holes; upsize to a 12–14 inch, 10–12 inch deep container as roots fill.
Provide a 4–6 foot support initially, planning for 8–10+ feet over time. Indoors, place 2–3 feet from a bright window or 12–18 inches below a grow light, and keep 18 inches clear from walkways for harvest room.
Why Grow Black Pepper Plant?
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Fresh, homegrown peppercorns you can dry and grind on demand
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Vertical, space-smart vine that thrives on trellises and poles
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Container-friendly and ideal for small spaces with bright, indirect light
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Lush foliage and dainty flower spikes for tropical style and year-round interest
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Straightforward care once warmth and humidity needs are met
Bring one home to elevate both your greenery and your pantry. Train the vine, enjoy the foliage, and savor freshly cracked pepper from your own plant.
- SKU:
- EDB-TRO-BLP-LGL
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All citrus & other tropical plants, we provide a 30-day warranty to ensure that your plants thrive.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, OR, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!