Sechuan Pepper

Sechuan Pepper

Sechuan Pepper is a unique and beautiful shrub that produces Sechuan Peppers, a key ingredient in Chinese cuisine. While it is called a pepper it is actually more closely related to citrus than to true peppercorns or hot chili peppers. The young shoots, flowers, berries, and seeds of this plant are all used in making unique and delicious spices and the plants themselves are absolutely beautiful with their knobby branches and contorted architecture. Grows well in full sun to nearly full shade so long as soils are kept moist. Requires pollination with Sansho to produce Sechuan peppercorns.

Latin Name: Zanthoxylum simulans
Site and Soil: Szechuan like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Pair Sechuan with Sansho for peppercorns.
Hardiness: Szechuan is hardy to minus 10º F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 8-15 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer.
Ripening Time: Late Summer/Early Fall.
Yield: 1-2 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Szechuan Pepper is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 6-9