If this is Sichuan peppercorns, forget it. The importation of this herb has been stopped by the USDA. The only way to get it now is on the black market. I don't believe the tree will grow in the USA.

tailwheel: what a bummer! I guess I can use the off-the-shelf herb i bought from asian markets then... does it introduce some kind of disease or something?

No, I believe that the seeds were full of larvae from some kind of bug.

I know a few internet sources for sansho seeds (ex: Sandeman seeds in Europe). Alas, I have not yet been able to grow it from seed.

Regarding Zanthoxylum Simulans, I think ForestFarm Plant nursery has some trees for sale (located in the US).

Does anybody know if the young leaves of Zanthoxylum Simulans are edible (compared to the Piperitum variant)??

Thanks

Gengis

Gengis,

The leaves are used medicinally. Refer to the following sources for more information:

A Barefoot Doctors Manual
Running Press
ISBN 0-914294-92-X
A very readable herbal from China, combining some modern methods with traditional chinese methods.

Medicinal Plants of China
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
Reference Publications, Inc. 1985
ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.

Gengis,
Zanthoxylum piperitum seeds need to be sown very fresh, in the shade and in a very light leafy medium which is kept moist.
Rose-Marie

I would think it would be difficult to grow some of these in Montreal, Canada because it would be too cold without artifical conditions to keep them warm.

This is no longer under importation ban.

I am a pretty fair gardener and would love to try and get a Sichuan Peppercorn shrub growing - does anyone have a seed source?
Thanks

,

Did you check the FAQ for this forum?

For additional sources, look here...

Here is a link that might be useful: Sources for Zanthoxylum piperitum Seeds

the ban was lifted quite awhile ago, go to your nearest chinese resturant and ask. anyway i actually live in asia now, i have some that i picked myself while hiking, they are the real thing, i know cus i tricked a friend into eating one and watched his reaction. now, what are the directions for planting and growing them????

I someoldbird,

I was able to germinate some seeds with 3 months of cold stratification.

Dear Friends,

I just found Zanthoxylum simulans and cultivated Polygonum hydropiper and i just decided that i cannot live without. the problem is i live in romania and is somehow hard to aqquire propper seeds.

Do you happen to know any european vendor?

How can i be sure of the quality of seeds if i try from e-bay?

If i grow Zanthoxylum simulans from seeds, there is any chance to know which is male/ female plant, if Z. stimulans at all?

yours trully,
mira