Hoja Santa (Piper auritum)

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
5 Reviews
Regular price $19.95
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
28 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. 

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 5 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 4 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
5 reviews
  • CB
    Carol B.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 months ago
    Happy

    The little plant seems to be holding its own. It's not quite growing yet but I have hopes that it will become a big plant and I will have the pleasure of watching it grow. I am so glad that you carry it as its leaves are used in Mexican cooking and are almost impossible to find in the US.

  • B
    Bill
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    12 months ago
    Better than basil

    Grew this plant in 10 gallon canvas pot to control growth. Leaves grew to ten inches across in a matter ofa few month. Cut back one main branch of two in midsummer. I cut off four large leaves for deveining, chopping, and drying in 250 degree oven. Then use dried leaves wherever a recipe calls for basil. 1 tsp for 3 tsp of fresh basil. Worked wonders for fish chowder

  • JS
    Jennifer S.
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    Hierba Santa plant

    Great communication on order status and shipping status. Item as described and arrived in good condition.

  • CS
    Carole S.
    I recommend this product
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    2 years ago
    A Great Plant

    A wonderful plant and a real bonus to have for Mexican Cooking. One bit of advice - give this plant plenty of room. It needs room to grow, and the tubers will spread in amazingly quickly.

  • JM
    Jo M.
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 years ago
    Thanks for offering this flavorful plant!nI

    Thanks for offering this flavorful plant!nI

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