Organic Shishito Pepper Seeds

We discovered Shishito pepper seeds from a Japanese gardener. Shishito pepper seeds produce pepper plants full of ribbed peppers. This Japanese pepper is a favorite of chefs and gardeners worldwide. Prized for its complex citrusy flavor, the culinary applications for this variety are endless! Season oven-blistered Shishito peppers with salt and pepper for an incredible appetizer.

Pepper seeds can be slow to germinate and are best transplanted out when the plants are 5-6″ tall. Harvest frequently when peppers are 2-3″ long.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Peppers are a warm season crop in Zones 9 and 10. You can plant them in the spring through late summer. Many pepper plants can perennialize in Zones 9 and 10, but their production will diminish drastically.

Zones 2-8

• Start inside 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Use a heating pad to ensure good germination rates.

Planting Pepper Seeds

• In Zones 9 and 10, you can direct seed or transplant out your pepper seeds. We recommend you start them in early spring in starter pots and transplant them out.
• Peppers need warm soil to germinate. If you are starting them in starter pots, a heating pad will speed up the germination process. If you are planting outside, make sure the soil is at least 80°F.
• To direct sow, plant seeds in debris-free, well-worked soil that has been deeply watered. Cover with 1/4″ of finely sifted soil. The minimum temperatures at night should be no less than 60°F.
• If you are planting seeds in starter pots, plant seeds into thoroughly moist high-quality seed starting soil. Place seeds on the top of the soil and cover with 1/4″ of finely sifted soil.
• Once your seeds have germinated and are 1-2″ tall, fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer. When the plants are 3-4″ tall you can plant them out into the garden.
• Space plants at least 12″ apart.

Growing Peppers

• Peppers are easy to grow once you get them established.
• Mulching heavily around your peppers will help with weed suppression and moisture retention.

Harvesting Peppers

• Harvest peppers often to encourage more production. The days to maturity for green Shishito peppers is 60; allow 75-80 days to maturity for red peppers. Cut fruits from their stems; do not pull. Shishito peppers are great blistered in hot oil and seasoned with coarse pepper and salt.

Growing Peppers in Containers

• Peppers make excellent container plants. Make sure your container is at least 20″ deep and provide support for the plants to grow up. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much.

Southern California Pro-tips.

• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much.
• When growing bell peppers, shade cloth can help to diminish sun scald that can scar the skin of the peppers.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Interplanting flowers with your peppers will make your garden beautiful and reduce pest issues. Marigolds look stunning when interplanted with pepper plants. You can also grow zinnias, cosmos, and cornflower.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to peppers at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.

Love hot peppers? Try our Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper, Scotch Bonnet Pepper, Jalapeño Pepper, Padron Pepper, and more. Shop all hot peppers here.