How to Grow a Pepper Tree From Seed

* Pepper tree seeds (Schinus molle)

* Seed trays or pots

* Potting soil

* Water

Steps

1. Soak the pepper tree seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.

2. Fill the seed trays or pots with potting soil.

3. Plant the pepper tree seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil.

4. Water the soil thoroughly.

5. Place the seed trays or pots in a warm, sunny location.

6. Keep the soil moist but not wet.

7. The seeds will germinate in 10-14 days.

8. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they have grown to a height of 2-3 inches.

9. Continue to water the seedlings regularly and fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

10. The pepper trees will be ready to plant in the ground after they have grown to a height of 1-2 feet.

Tips

* Pepper trees can also be grown from cuttings. To take a cutting, simply snip off a 4-6 inch piece of new growth from a healthy pepper tree. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and then plant it in a pot of moist potting soil. Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a warm, sunny location. The cutting will root in 4-6 weeks.

* Pepper trees are fast-growing trees and can reach a height of 30-50 feet. They are drought-tolerant trees and do not require a lot of water.

* Pepper trees are not native to North America and are considered to be invasive in some areas. Check with your local nursery or garden center to see if pepper trees are allowed in your area before you plant them.