How to Grow Kawakawa
Kawakawa
Macropiper excelsum
shrubKawakawa is a native New Zealand shrub prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive holes and serrated margins. The plant produces small greenish flowers followed by red berries that turn black when ripe. It has been used traditionally by Māori people for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries.
When should you plant Kawakawa in your zone?
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Example Kawakawa timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Kawakawa
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Kawakawa
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Kawakawa dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11, frost-tender below 10°C
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Get my Kawakawa timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-6 weeksSmall plants with soft leaves, 2-4 inches tall, emerging from soil with cotyledons visible
Keep consistently moist in humid conditions; provide bright indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts; maintain 18-20°C temperature
Establishment
8-12 weeksPlants develop true leaves with the characteristic heart shape and serrations; growth 6-12 inches; leaf holes may not be visible yet
Gradually acclimate to brighter light; maintain humid environment; begin light feeding with diluted balanced fertilizer; ensure good air circulation
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsRapid leaf development with the distinctive holes becoming prominent; plant reaches 1-2 feet; branching increases
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer monthly during growing season; maintain consistent moisture; pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness; mulch around base
Flowering & Fruiting
Ongoing after 2-3 yearsSmall greenish flowers appear in leaf axils; flowers are inconspicuous but followed by red berries that darken to black; mature plant is 3-6 feet tall
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering; maintain regular watering; pollination occurs via wind and insects; protect from extreme temperatures
Harvest
ContinuousPlant is at least 12-18 months old with abundant harvestable foliage; berries mature to black color over several months
Harvest leaves year-round but most abundant in warmer months; pick berries when fully black; avoid over-harvesting to maintain plant vigor
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Inspect regularly and remove by hand; spray with horticultural oil; treat with insecticide if infestation is severe
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cloth; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants
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Spray with water to dislodge; use blue sticky traps; apply neem oil or spinosad; maintain humidity
Uses
Peppery Seasoning & Flavoring
CulinaryKawakawa leaves have a distinctive peppery, slightly citrus flavor and are used fresh or dried to season dishes, soups, and beverages. The leaves can be chewed fresh or made into tea for a numbing, peppery taste similar to black pepper. [source]
Traditional Māori Remedy
MedicinalKawakawa has been used for centuries in traditional Māori medicine to treat digestive complaints, inflammation, wounds, and skin conditions. Modern herbalism employs the leaves for digestive support and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Herbal Tea & Infusions
HouseholdFresh or dried kawakawa leaves make a warming peppery tea with digestive and warming properties. The tea has a distinctive aromatic flavor and can be blended with other native herbs. [source]
Fruit & Berry Uses
CulinaryThe black ripe berries can be dried and used as a pepper substitute or processed into traditional condiments. They add ornamental value and attract native birds. [source]
Native Plant Garden & Bird Food
WildlifeKawakawa supports native New Zealand birds and insects through its flowers and berries. Growing it helps restore native plant communities and provides habitat for pollinators. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves year-round by pinching or cutting fresh growth from branch tips; leaves are most potent and flavorful when young and tender. Berries mature to black color (typically 6-8 months after flowering) and can be harvested when fully ripe. For best flavor and medicinal potency, harvest in warmer months. Never strip all foliage from one branch; harvest selectively to maintain plant health and appearance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The distinctive holes in kawakawa leaves were traditionally believed by Māori to be created by insects, but they actually form naturally as part of the plant's growth process and may serve to reduce wind damage and increase light penetration to lower leaves.
- 🌱 Kawakawa is one of the few native New Zealand plants that contains piperine, the same pungent compound found in black pepper, giving it the peppery flavor that inspired its common name meaning 'pepper' in Māori.
- 🌱 The plant has been cultivated by Māori for over 1,000 years and is increasingly popular in contemporary New Zealand cuisine as chefs rediscover traditional ingredients; it's sometimes called 'Māori pepper' in culinary contexts.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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