Seed grown plants 6-12”+ tall, overwintered outdoors. Seed packet contains about 35 seeds. Spice packet contains 1 TBS of dried seed husks.

These beautiful and interesting trees are the source of the spicy/floral/numbing spice known as Sichuan Pepper. They are small trees or large shrubs covered in wild thorns. Highly ornamental. Also somewhat experimental in USDA Zones 5/6. Both species grow well in well drained soil in sun to part shade.

Z. simulans - My plants of this species are descended from plants growing at the Seoul Forestry Research Institute in Korea, in 1977. I planted out seedlings several years ago, even with minimal care and input they have grown well and bloomed after 5 years. In their 6th year they produced heavy crops of fruit. The fruit is a dry husk containing a shiny black seed. The husk is the part most commonly used for cooking and known as Sichuan pepper. They are not related to black pepper, or chili pepper, but are members of the Citrus family. The flavor is somewhat spicy and pungent, with citrus notes and numbing effect on the mouth similar to Spilanthes. Young leaves can also be used as culinary herb.

The plants grow as a large shrub or small tree. They produce best in full sun and rich soil, but will tolerate part-shade and weak soil. Sources differ on describing this species pollination strategy, so planting a few to ensure cross pollination is wise. Their numerous spines make them quite resistant to deer.

The shiny oily seeds germinate best if scarified and sown in fall or winter and left in a cold spot to stratify, alternately you can provide 60+ days cold damp stratification in the fridge. I prefer hot water scarification to sand paper for this species. Sometimes self-fertile, but best to plant 2-3 to ensure pollination.

Z. simulans spice packet - Want to try the spice before committing 5 years to growing out plants? This spice packet contains 1 TBS dried seed husks. You can grind them up and use directly as a spice or infuse whole husks in oil to use as a condiment or spice. There are probably a couple seeds in there, which you can sow using above technique.

Z. alatum - Dioecious (pollen and seeds borne on separate plants). Plant a few to ensure pollination. planting 2 results in a 50% chance of fruit. 3 is a 75% chance.