Herbs
Water pepper
Young leaves with a strongly peppery flavour, used sparingly.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Sow · Sep-Nov
Core months: September, October, November
Temperate
Sow · Sep-Nov
Core months: September, October, November
Subtropical
Sow · Aug-Oct
Core months: August, September, October
Tropical
Sow · Jan-Feb,Sep-Dec
Core months: January, February, September, October, November, December
Arid
Sow · No window
Getting started
Sow seed in the recorded five-zone window. Use clean seed and follow the packet's depth and spacing for the named species or cultivar.
The right conditions
Choose the light, drainage and soil fertility suited to the crop; match watering to the climate and avoid prolonged waterlogging.
As it grows
Water consistently while establishing, mulch without burying the crown or stem, manage weeds early and provide support where the mature habit needs it.
Ready to harvest
Pinch young leaves and tips before flowering and use sparingly because the flavour is strongly peppery.
Important cautions
Water pepper is strongly pungent. Use only positively identified Polygonum hydropiper from clean water or soil and in small culinary amounts.
Plant guidance: P11a propagation, food-safety and plant-specific guide audit. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.