The Szechuan pepper, also known as the Chinese pepper, is grown for its spicy taste as well for the its ornamental looks. The Szechuan pepper tree can reach a height of 17 feet, and therefore is better suited for those who have a little garden room. If you live in USDA zones 6 through 9, you can grow Szechuan pepper right in your garden! These stunning trees provide year-round decorative value and bloom in late spring and early summer.
After flowering, bright red berries appear in early autumn, making this one of the most interested looking trees you will grow!
A Guide on How Grow Szechuan Peppers
Szechuan Pepper Info:
Before we get into how to grow Szechuan peppers, it's important to know a little bit about their background and history! As you may have already guessed, these trees come from the Szechuan region of China. Contrary to popular belief, Szechuan pepper is actually related more to citrus trees than chilli peppers or peppercorns.
Altough Szechuan pepper trees aren't too popular in North America, they are used widely all over the world for their unique and spicy aroma!
Growing Szechuan Pepper:
Szechuan pepper plants actually prefer to grow in large pots or containers and are planed in spring or fall.Plant seeds or small trees in well draining soil and add a handful of all-purpose fertilizer at planting time. This will give the plant extra nutrients and start off the growth process.
Plant your Szechuan pepper tree in partial or full sun. In hotter climates, these trees prefer afternoon sun. Water regularly and make sure the soil is always moist but never soggy.
Prune away dead branches, but be careful not to cut new growth as that is where the peppers grow. Harvest the pepper plants in autumn. Simply place a tarp under the tree to catch the pepper pods and shake the tree vigorously.
Like this post? Share, Pin, and Comment Below 🙂
