Black pepper (pilipili manga)

About the crop: This crop has a growth habit described as "climber". You can normally start harvesting about 1095 days after planting, depending on care and variety.

Main use: Farmers mostly grow this crop for dry peppercorns (black/white); fresh green spikes for pickles; some leaf/stem use for extracts..

Pollination: This crop is mainly pollinated by insect. Keeping flowers healthy and having insects like bees in the field helps improve fruit set and yields.

Where it grows: Thrives in warm, humid tropics with regular rainfall and shade/support; niche pockets along East African coast/high rainfall zones. It is grouped under: Spices & Condiments.

Best climate: This crop does well in warm areas where the temperature is usually between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius. It prefers places that receive around 1800 to 3000 millimetres of rain in a year. It can grow from near sea level up to about 1500 metres above sea level.

Soil: The crop grows best in slightly acidic to near neutral soils, with a pH of about 5.5 to 6.5. It does well in deep, well-drained loam or lateritic soils with high organic matter; good mulching essential.. Good drainage is important, so avoid waterlogged spots.

Plant spacing: Plant in rows about 250 centimetres apart, and leave about 250 centimetres between plants in the row. This gives each plant enough space for roots and canopy to spread.

Planting depth: Dig planting holes or furrows about 5 centimetres deep so the roots sit firmly in the soil but are not buried too deep.

Seed or planting material: Use good quality seed or healthy planting material. Follow local extension advice for the exact amount per hectare.

Nursery period: If you raise seedlings in a nursery, keep them there for about 90 days before transplanting to the main field, when they are strong and healthy.