Shishito Pepper

Shishito Pepper Seeds

Shishito is a thin-walled Japanese pepper that is usually picked and eaten green. The pods will eventually ripen red, which is why a lot of our seed pictures show red fruit. Seed company problems. We have to let them ripen!

Most shishitos are very mild, usually around 50 to 200 SHU. Every once in a while, though, you get a hot one. That random bit of heat is part of the fun.

Flavor and Uses

Shishitos have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The thin walls cook very quickly.

Blistering them in a hot pan is probably the classic use. Add a little oil, cook until the skin starts to blister and blacken, then hit them with some salt. They are also great on the grill or tossed into stir-fries.

Most people harvest them green. You can let them ripen red, but the classic shishito is that wrinkly green pepper served as an appetizer.

Growing Shishito Peppers

Plants are productive and pretty easy to grow once the weather warms up.  Give a warm environment (75-90) for germination, in a quality seed starting mix. I personally love Burpee’s seed starting mix.  For best growth, do not transplant outside until nighttime temps are typically above 55F.  Give them full sun, regular water, and decent drainage.

20+ seeds per pack