Long Pepper (Piper longum) is a striking ornamental vine appreciated for its glossy heart-shaped leaves and elongated catkin-style fruiting structures. Its climbing habit makes it ideal for trellises, decorative fences, and tropical patio containers. As a warm-season perennial, it performs best in humid, frost-free environments, where it forms dense foliage and dramatic dangling fruit displays. Mature plants also produce small white blossoms that support beneficial insects in tropical gardens.
Features
• Unique elongated fruiting display on a tropical vine
• Glossy heart-shaped foliage ideal for decorative trellises
• White blossoms support beneficial pollinators
• Suitable for containers, patios, and shaded tropical areas
• Non-GMO ornamental Piper longum seed variety
Specifications
• Common Name: Long Pepper (ornamental type)
• Scientific Name: Piper longum
• Plant Type: Perennial ornamental climbing vine
• USDA Zones: 10–12 outdoors; container-grown in cooler regions
• Height: 3–8 feet depending on support
• Spread: 2–4 feet
• Foliage: Glossy heart-shaped leaves
• Flower Color: Small white spike blooms
• Display Type: Catkin-style elongated fruiting spikes
• Display Season: Summer through fall in warm climates
• Growth Habit: Climbing vine with branching stems
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Partial shade to bright indirect light
• Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate, consistent moisture
• Pollinator Value: Flowers support beneficial insects
• Maintenance Level: Moderate
• Plant Spacing: 18–24 inches when grown outdoors
• Seed Viability: Best within 6–12 months when stored cool & dry
Planting Guide
• Sow seeds in warm, moist soil; keep lightly covered (⅛ inch deep).
• Maintain humidity and warmth at 75–90°F for germination.
• Germination may take 14–45 days, depending on temperature.
• Transplant into containers or garden soil once seedlings establish roots.
• Provide a trellis or support structure for climbing growth.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Protect from frost; overwinter indoors in cooler climates.
• Grow in partial shade to avoid leaf scorch.
