Hoja Santa (Piper auritum)

4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
11 Reviews
Regular price $19.95
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3 in stock

Pot Size

Hoja Santa, also commonly known as Mexican Pepperleaf, Veracruz Pepper, Rootbeer Plant or False Kava is a hardy perennial herb.  Hoja Santa is native to northern South American and Mexico.  It's native name means "Sacred Leaf".  

Giant, velvety heart-shaped leaves grow to 10 inches or more in length. Both leaves and flowers are very aromatic and full of flavor.  The flavor is very complex, with delightly notes of licorice, eucalyptus, sassafras, anise, nutmeg, mint, tarragon, and black pepper. The plant spreads from the tuber and will quickly sprout many shoots.

Large, fragrant leaves are used fresh in Mexican cuisine for tamales, wrapping fish or meat and as an essential ingredient in true Mole Verde, the green sauce that originated in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Fresh Hoja Santa can also be chopped to flavor soups and salads.  Despite their culinary popularity, fresh leaves are very difficult to find in grocery stores or at markets, so growing this hardy plant at home is a great idea.

Plant Type: 
Perennial Herb, Tropical, Semi-woody

Harvest Season: 
Year-Round 

Mature Size: 
Easily maintained at 4-12 feet tall and equally as wide if given the space. Spreads from the rhizome.

Soil & Moisture:
Enjoys consistently moist soil but can also be seasonally drought tolerant

Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade

Self-Fertile:
Yes

Growth Rate:
Fast

Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+

Propagation:
Our Hoja Santa is grown from division and is capable of harvest within one growing season. 

Our Plantable Coconut Coir & Peat Pots are 100% biodegradable, compostable and can be planted directly in the soil! Our Nursery & Citrapots are recyclable and reusable!
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
Based on 11 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 9 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
91%would recommend this product
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11 reviews
  • D
    DeAnna
    Verified Reviewer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    Will take over

    Fantastic little plant I've had for 2 years. I planted in a raised bed and it has pretty much taken over now. The taste of the leaves is nice and mild. Very much more mouth aromatic than strong taste flavor. Can definitely see using in salads and making herb mixes.

  • JE Profile picture for John E.
    John E.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    9 months ago
    Hoja for Mexican dishes

    Bought two and they are doing very well. So I bought two more. The first two were of course as little as the two new ones. Photo also shows some other plants from Sow Exotic. Location is Lockeford CA east of Lodi CA. Zone 9A

  • J
    James
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    5 Stars

    Came alive and healthy

  • J
    Jennifer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    11 months ago
    5 Stars

    Nice plant. Sadly I could not keep it alive. That’s on me not Sow Exotic

  • A
    Ana
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    5 Stars

    Love it so much

    Growing beautiful 🥰

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