Growing black pepper plants organically - 24 Mantra Organic

Black pepper, more commonly called peppercorns is one of the most expensive and popular spices in the world. Black pepper plants are more adapted to humid climates since it is a tropical plant. It can be most abundantly found in the Western Ghats of India.

Any ground with a yearly rainfall of about 250 cm and temperatures well within 10C and 40C, the Western Ghats prove to be the most suitable grounds for growing black pepper.

Cultivation of this plant can be a tough job and hence requires professional equipment. In case you are looking to do it yourself, there is some information provided in this article that can significantly help you.

Some facts you should know about growing black pepper

The fruit of the Black Pepper plant is treated to make black pepper. Each of these fruits contains one seed which will only germinate if the fruit is planted in ideal conditions. Firstly the soil needs to be fertile, and until the germination of the seed, an adequate temperature should be maintained.

An important point to remember is that black pepper found in grocery stores should not be planted. Since they are meant for cooking, they have already been treated and dried. This is primarily done so that the seeds do not sprout when in storage.

If you are looking forward to growing black pepper, it is advised that you avoid buying culinary back pepper and purchase seeds that are specially meant to be grown. Further mentioned below are the growing conditions required for successful cultivation.

Growing conditions

Growing black pepper can be quite a difficult job given its specific requirements. Further mentioned below are some such conditions that are absolutely necessary.

• Black pepper is best suited for its growth in tropical, humid and hot environments . Most abundantly seen in humid subtropical forests, it needs a minimum environment where the temperature does not drop lower than 18 C or 65 F. While the perfect temperature for growing black pepper is 25 C or 77 f, it can tolerate temperatures above 40 C or 105 F as well.
• Humidity levels should be around 75%.
• The soil it is grown in is also of prime importance. While clay loans, sandy loans and even red loans are suitable for the growth of black pepper, it thrives best on drained virgin soils. You should also make sure that the soil has high humus content along with certain other plant nutrients.
• With an adequate PH level range of 5.0 to 6.5, black pepper is better suited in a little acidic soil. With 5-6 hours of partial shade or filtered sunlight, you can be sure of growing black pepper.
• Since black pepper is a vine, growing it near a fence or trellis or a similar support structure can prove to be beneficial.
• Watering is another integral part, as well. While you should keep the soil moist, do not make it soggy. Never let the soil dry out as this hampers the process of growing black pepper.

All in all, black pepper plants require humidity the most. So the more humid the climate is, the better it is for growing black pepper.If it is too dry outside, apply some water. If you are using pots to grow black pepper plants, try placing them on a saucer with water.

Growing black pepper organically is the best as you neither have to use any chemicals nor any pesticides. So the environment will remain safe, and you will get only 100% natural black pepper.

Try 24 Mantra Organic’s Black Pepper and savour the taste of organic goodness.