How to Grow Shishito Pepper
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
Water
Regular (1-2 inches/week)
Spacing
18" apart
Depth
0.25" deep
Height
18-24"
Germination
7-14 days
Ready to Grow Shishito Pepper?
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Seed Saving Guide
ModerateWhen to Harvest Seed
Let peppers ripen past the thin green stage — allow to turn red on the plant for best seed viability.
Processing
Remove seeds from ripe pepper, dry flat for 1–2 weeks.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
C. annuum — will cross with jalapeño, bell pepper, and other annuum varieties. Isolate by 300 feet.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Shishito Pepper. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shishito Pepper? +
Start Shishito Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Shishito Pepper take to grow? +
Shishito Pepper typically matures in about 60 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Shishito Pepper indoors or direct sow? +
Shishito Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Shishito Pepper need? +
Shishito Pepper requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Shishito Pepper? +
Space Shishito Pepper plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Shishito Pepper need? +
Shishito Pepper has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Shishito Pepper? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Shishito Pepper is rated moderate. Let peppers ripen past the thin green stage — allow to turn red on the plant for best seed viability. Remove seeds from ripe pepper, dry flat for 1–2 weeks.
How long do Shishito Pepper seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Shishito Pepper seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Shishito Pepper seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Shishito Pepper is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Shishito Pepper
Thin-walled Japanese pepper, mostly mild with occasional heat. Blistered and served as an appetizer. Prolific producer, hugely popular in restaurants.
Expect your Shishito Pepper to be ready for harvest in approximately 60 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.