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It is very important that you up-pot your plant to a larger container as soon as possible when it arrives. Your plant's new container should have a couple of drainage holes, and should be at least a couple gallons larger than the nursery pot. Check out our up-potting video for detailed instructions on how to ensure a happy healthy new home for your plant.
All our varieties of sichuan pepper are self-fertile, meaning that they don't need a partner plant to produce fruit. That being said, all fruit-bearing plants have more abundant harvests when they have a friend blooming at the same time.
Sichuan peppers need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for good growth and fruit production. However, in areas with intense sun and heat, make sure it is sufficiently watered.
Sichuan peppers do very well in the heat, but temps above 95° can cause them fatigue. Make sure they have sufficient water, and if they are struggling, move them to a semi-shaded area.
Sichuan peppers prefer to be watered deeply, but infrequently. Water until the soil is saturated and water comes out of the drainage holes. Let the container dry until the soil is dry to the touch 1-2 inches down. A plant that has wilted can be receiving either too much or too little water.
Your plant should have come with both a compressed potting soil, and a soluable fast-acting plant food. Fertilize your plantevery 4-6 weeks by mixing ½ tablespoon of fertilizer with ½ gallon of water, and again at the end of spring.
In the winter, sichuan peppers can remain outside as low as 32°. They will be better off if protected from the wind, and kept in an area that still receives lots of light even in winter.
Below freezing temperatures, your plant should be protected from the cold. Bring your pepper inside and keep it i a bright space, like a south facing window. Water and fertilize it less frequently during these months.
Sichuan pepper ripens in late summer or early fall. The fruit will turn from green to a reddish-brown color when it is ready to be harvested. Use pruning shears or scissors to carefully cut the fruit from the tree or bush. Be careful not to damage the branches or leaves of the plant.
Your fruit isn't just delicious for you, lots of other critters would be happy to get their hands on your hard work. Pests and diseases vary greatly depending on region, so we suggest you take advantage of your local resources. If you can't determine what is ailing your plant by googling the symptoms, give a call to your local county agricultural extension office.
