25 Shishito Pepper Seeds – Japanese Heirloom Mild Pepper for Planting

Shishito peppers are a beloved Japanese heirloom variety, prized for their mild, sweet flavor and thin, tender skin. These small, slender peppers are typically harvested green and are perfect for stir-fries, tempura, or blistered and salted as a popular appetizer. While generally mild, an occasional pepper may surprise you with a hint of heat, adding a fun element to each harvest.

Easy to grow and prolific, Shishito peppers thrive in warm weather and full sun, making them a rewarding addition to vegetable gardens, raised beds, or containers. The compact plants produce abundant fruits throughout the season, ensuring a steady supply for fresh eating or light cooking.

Plant Features

• Japanese heirloom variety with mild, sweet flavor
• Thin-skinned, slender fruits typically 3-4 inches long
• Prolific producer, yielding many peppers per plant
• Excellent for fresh eating, stir-fries, and tempura
• Compact growth habit suitable for containers

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
• Plant Type: Annual vegetable (pepper)
• Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11 (grown as annual)
• Days to Maturity: 60-75 days from transplant
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix and keep consistently moist at around 75-85°F (24-29°C) for best germination. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves and danger of frost has passed, harden them off and transplant outdoors in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly when plants begin to flower. Harvest peppers when they are green and firm, typically 60-75 days after transplanting. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

What's Included

25 Shishito Pepper Seeds