You might be surprised, occasionally, with one that matches the heat of a mildjalapeno.
Shishito pepper matures quickly, with harvest beginning in about 65 days.
Plants are prolific for producing up to 20 fruits each.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Plan to purchase seedlings or start seeds indoors early if you live in cooler regions.
For growers in cool zones, start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the final frost.
Shishito peppers thrive with plenty of heat and light.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
They need fertile, neutral toslightly acidic soilthat drains well.
you’re able to also grow Shishito pepper on a sunny windowsill.
Remove the lowest set of leaves and set the seedling with the crown just below the soil surface.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Avoid exposing roots to direct sunlight and water well beforehand to discourage transplant shock.
Space plants in the garden 12 to 18 inches apart.
Leave 24 to 36 inches between plants in a raised bed.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Choose a pot 12 inches deep and wide with plenty of drainage holes.
you’ve got the option to plant several seeds in one wide, deep deep container.
It may need to be thinned to one plant depending on the pot size.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Provide plenty of sun, adequate air circulation, water and fertilizer and Shishito pepper is easy to grow.
Light
Thisheirloom pepperbenefits from direct sunlight all day long.
Choose a spot that gets at least eight hours daily.
Soil
Peppers prefer soil rich in organic matter.
Add aged compost before or at the time of planting.
Soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic at 6.0 to 6.8.
Water
Keep seedlings slightly moist by watering every other day to support a healthy root system.
Once plants have grown, once-a-week watering is usually sufficient.
Avoid overhead watering, maintain consistent moisture, and don’t let the soil completely dry out.
Drip irrigation is an ideal method for watering peppers.
If you live in a dry climate,mulchingaround the base keeps roots cool and hydrated.
Potted plants on the patio or indoors need more frequent watering.
Depending on the growing conditions, it can be as often as daily.
Water deeply at the base allowing all excess to drain.
Temperature and Humidity
Pepper plants thrive in hot, sunny conditions.
Fertilizer
Fertilize Shishito pepper every four to six weeks throughout the growing season.
As fruits develop, a third software of balanced fertilizer, compost, or bloodmeal helps sustain healthy growth.
Shishito peppers also respond well to water-soluble organic fertilizers likefish emulsionand seaweed extract.
Fertilize peppers grown in pots more frequently, every two weeks.
Wind movement among plants and insects all contribute to fruit production.
Fully ripe peppers turn red and are edible, although you might lose flavor.
Pick peppers as soon as they are 3 to 4 inches long.
Leaving this thin-skinned variety on the vine too long causes it to thicken and makes it less palatable.
Plants continue to produce fruit for up to 45 days in optimal conditions.
Harvest in the morning for the best flavor and moisture content.
Grasp peppers by the stem and gently twist them to remove the stem and fruit.
you could also use a snipper.
If any of the stem remains attached, the pepper will deteriorate quickly.
Shishito peppers can be refrigerated in plastic bags for one week.
How to Grow Shishito Pepper in Pots
This pepper grows well in containers, even hanging baskets.
Choose one 12 inches deep and wide and fill it with potting soil and aged compost.
Potting soil that does not contain inorganic fertilizer is best for germinating seeds.
Plant seed 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly.
Place the pot to receive full sun and keep the soil evenly moist.
Dig an 8-inch deep hole, slightly wider than the root ball.
Remove the lowest leaves and plant the crown just below the soil level.
Adding aged compost to backfill encourages healthy growth.
Place pots in a spot that receives full sun daily and keep the soil consistently moist.
You need a seed starting mix and small pots or a germination tray.
Pests to watch for includeaphidsandhornworms.
The most prevalent fungal infection ispowdery mildewand may require repeated treatments for control.
Shishito peppers take 60 to 65 days to grow after planting out.
Growers in colder regions should start seeds 8 to 10 weeks before final frost.
This is when the flavor is the best.
