How to Grow Mountain Pepper in Australia
A year-round herb for the long-term patch
Growing Mountain Pepper at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$5-10/week on native pepper. Premium bushfood spice.
This guide covers when to plant Mountain Pepper in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Mountain Pepper is a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Mountain Pepper part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Mountain Pepper into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 200 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Tasmannia lanceolata. Australian native pepper with hot, peppery leaves and berries. Dried berries are a premium bushfood spice. Prefers cooler, shadier spots in SEQ (hinterland and Scenic Rim zones best). Slow growing but very long-lived.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 6 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Mountain Pepper is typically ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Dry berries and store in a sealed jar for 12+ months. Fresh leaves fridge 1 week.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, mountain pepper is good dried berries ground as native pepper, leaves used as a fresh peppery herb, added to rubs for meat and fish and infused into oils and vinegars. Nutritionally: contains polygodial with antimicrobial properties and high in antioxidants.
Companion Planting
Mountain Pepper grows well alongside Native plants and Finger lime. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Mountain Pepper Growing
Add mountain pepper to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mountain Pepper in Australia?
Mountain Pepper is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Mountain Pepper take to grow?
Mountain Pepper is generally ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Mountain Pepper in a pot?
Yes. Mountain Pepper grows well in a container of 30cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Mountain Pepper need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Mountain Pepper in the Plant Library
