Black Pepper
GROWTH STAGES
Each band is proportional to stage duration. Click to jump to that stage.
CROP GUIDE
Black pepper is a perennial climbing spice crop cultivated primarily in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu under humid tropical conditions. Berries are harvested when still green and mature, then processed to produce black, white, or green pepper.
- 1
Cutting Establishment and Rooting
Day 0–30
Black pepper stem cuttings develop adventitious roots and establish in nursery or field conditions before active growth begins.
- 2
Vine Establishment and Climbing
Day 30–60
Black pepper vines produce orthotropic shoots that attach to support standards using adventitious roots for upward climbing.
- 3
Vegetative Growth
Day 60–100
Black pepper lateral branches expand leaf canopy and build carbohydrate reserves that support future spike production.
- 4
Spike Initiation and Flowering
Day 100–130
Black pepper spikes emerge from leaf axils, bearing small white flowers that open sequentially for pollination.
- 5
Berry Development
Day 130–160
Fertilized black pepper berries enlarge on spikes, accumulating piperine and essential oils over 6–8 months.
- 6
Maturation and Harvest
Day 160–180
Black pepper berries turn from green to yellow-red at maturity; spikes are harvested before full ripening for black pepper.
