Pepperwort
Lepidium campestrefam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. B909 — Lepidium campestre
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IOverview
Overview
Pepperwort (Lepidium campestre) is an annual or biennial herb found in a wide range of European countries including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and others. Native to parts of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Corse, it thrives in various soil types—light, medium, and heavy—and prefers a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it more suited for alkaline soils. Known for its edible leaves, shoots, and seedpods, pepperwort is also notable for its distinctive light green foliage and small white flowers that form dense clusters. Its adaptability to different habitats makes it a versatile plant in botanical contexts.
Quick answers
What is Pepperwort?
Pepperwort (Lepidium campestre) is an annual or biennial herb found in a wide range of European countries including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and others. Native to parts of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Corse, it thrives in various soil types—light, medium, and heavy—and prefers a pH between 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pepperwort thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH between 7.5 and 8. It is adaptable to various conditions but performs best in dry to moist environments. This forb/herb can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and requires full sun to partial shade. For cultivation, use annual or biennial seeds for planting. The edible parts include leaves, seedpods, and shoots. While hardiness information is not provided, it is generally hardy in temperate regions. Ensure the soil is well-drained but moisture-retentive to support healthy growth.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Pepperwort for the first time
7steps
Pepperwort is a straightforward annual herb for beginners to grow from seed.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Ensure containers are at least 10 inches deep for good root growth.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Space plants about 6 inches apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help seedlings establish. Thin out weaker seedlings if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch back shoots to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedpodShoots
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 28 native· 2 introduced
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Transcaucasus
introduced:Ohio, Minnesota
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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