Water Pepper Herb Seeds
60 Days to maturity. Persicaria hydropiper. Water Pepper. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, containers, and along moist field edges. A unique annual herb known for its sharp, peppery bite, water pepper adds a bold kick to salads, soups, and sushi. Thriving in damp soil, it’s easy to grow along garden edges or in containers. Popular in Japanese cooking, this heirloom herb offers both culinary value and ornamental interest with its slender leaves and reddish stems. ~25,000 seeds/oz.
Download Free Herb Growing Guide PDF
Growing Water Pepper in the Herb Garden
Direct sow water pepper seed 0.125 inch deep in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days in moist soil. Space plants 6-12 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Water pepper thrives in consistently damp soil and can even grow along stream banks, pond edges, or wet garden spots. It prefers full sun, but tolerates light shade.
Keep plants watered to prevent drying out. Harvest leaves and young shoots as needed through the season, clipping stems to encourage fresh regrowth. Water pepper is fast-growing and will readily reseed if flower heads are left on.
About Water Pepper Garden Seeds
Water pepper is native to Europe and Asia and has long been valued in Japanese and Chinese cooking for its spicy, pepper-like flavor.
Historically, it was also used in folk medicine as a stimulant and poultice plant. Its peppery bite comes from polygodial, a natural compound unique to this species.
Also called Smartweed or Marshpepper Knotweed, this annual is well adapted to wet gardens and adds a lively kick to culinary dishes.
Stories/Tips From Our Gardeners
"A friend grew water pepper along the edge of their garden where the hose drips, and it took off without much fuss. The leaves have a surprising bite—like a cross between arugula and chili pepper. They liked to snip young leaves for salads, but left a few flowers to reseed for next year."
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Water Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 1 g - Packet - Approximately 900 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 25,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 100,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 400,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Water Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Persicaria hydropiper |
| Variety Type Color: | Green foliage, reddish stems |
| Variety Type Flavor: | Hot, peppery, pungent |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
| Days to Maturity: | 60 |
| Days to Germination: | 7-14 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.125 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 6-12 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12-30 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright, spreading |
| Soil Preference: | Moist, fertile soil; tolerates heavy or clay soils if kept wet. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer 60-80 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes |
| Start Indoors: | Yes, 4-6 weeks before transplanting. |
| Plant Width: | 6-12 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Germination Temperature: | 65-75 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Few problems; watch for aphids in damp conditions. |
| Garden Size: | Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Moist Field Edge |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat, Humidity, Wet Soil |