Shishito Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Shishito'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fruit Vegetable
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Shishito peppers are mild and thin-skinned, known for their unique flavor. Most fruits are sweet, while 1 in 10 can be surprisingly spicy.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep in moist, well-draining soil in a warm location.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, maintaining 70-85°F temperature.
- Mist seedlings regularly and provide 12 hours of light daily for optimal growth.
- Thin out seedlings to 12 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
- Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil warms up.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use reflective mulch to increase light and warmth, boosting fruit production.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply and consistently to keep soil evenly moist 💧
- Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily ☀️
- Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth
- Support plants with stakes or cages to prevent breakage
- Monitor regularly for pests and diseases
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose young plants to frost or cold temperatures
- Refrain from using heavy, nitrogen-rich fertilizers late in the season
- Don’t neglect pest inspections
- Avoid planting in poorly drained areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Shishito Pepper questions
What zones can Shishito Pepper grow in?
Shishito Pepper is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Shishito Pepper deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Shishito Pepper, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Shishito Pepper bloom?
Shishito Pepper typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Shishito Pepper need full sun?
Shishito Pepper does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Capsicum to compare
Sweet Banana Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Banana'
Poblano Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Poblano'
Early Jalapeño
Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeno'
Yum Yum Peppers
Capsicum annuum 'Yum Yums Hybrid Mixed Mini Bells'
Aji Amarillo
Capsicum baccatum 'Aji Amarillo'
Cajun Fire Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Cajun Fire'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Shishito Pepper with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
