Pepper Specialty Shishito is a mild, Japanese pepper variety known for its sweet, slightly smoky flavor. These non-GMO, heirloom seeds produce small, wrinkled peppers that are perfect for grilling, stir-frying, or eating fresh. Shishito peppers are popular in Asian cuisine and are often served as an appetizer or side dish. This prolific variety yields abundant harvests throughout the growing season, with plants typically producing 50 or more peppers per season. The thin-walled fruit develops quickly once flowering begins, allowing for extended picking periods in warm climates. Shishito thrives in warm weather and is exceptionally well-suited for container gardening or raised beds, making it ideal for gardeners with limited space. Plants reach 18 to 24 inches tall and require full sun and consistent moisture for optimal productivity. The peppers are best harvested when they reach 2 to 3 inches long and develop their characteristic wrinkled skin.

Germination Rate 80%. Date Tested: 6/26. TLM.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 55%.

Why Choose Pepper Specialty Shishito?

• Heirloom Seed: Passed down through generations for reliable harvests and authentic flavor.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA structure has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.
• Dual Use: Great for grilling, stir-frying, or eating fresh.
• Rich in Flavor: Sweet, slightly smoky flavor with a mild heat level.
• Compact Growth: Ideal for container gardens or smaller garden spaces.
• Reliable Production: High yielding — plants produce 50 or more peppers per season — perfect for extended harvests in warm climates.

Planting Tips for Success

• When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost date. Maintain soil temps of 80–85°F for best germination.
• Sunlight: Full sun — at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit set and yield.
• Soil: Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0–6.8.
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow and growth.
• Watering: Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid waterlogging — peppers are sensitive to root rot.
• Support: Stake or cage plants as they mature and become heavy with fruit.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer at transplant. Switch to a low-nitrogen, higher phosphorus/potassium fertilizer once flowering begins.
• Days to Maturity: Approximately 60–70 days from transplant.
• Harvest: Best harvested when peppers reach 2–3 inches long and develop their characteristic wrinkled skin.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Grilling/Blistering: Toss whole peppers in oil and grill or blister in a hot skillet until charred. Finish with flaky salt and a squeeze of lemon — the classic Japanese izakaya preparation.
• Stir-Frying: Add whole or sliced shishitos to a hot wok with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a quick, flavorful side dish.
• Tempura: Lightly batter and fry whole peppers for a crispy Japanese appetizer.
• Roasting: Roast in the oven at high heat with olive oil and sea salt until soft and caramelized.
• Fresh/Raw: Slice thin and add to salads, tacos, or grain bowls for mild pepper flavor and crunch.
• Stuffing: Fill with cream cheese, ricotta, or seasoned meat and bake or grill for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Order Shishito Pepper Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh shishito peppers in your spring and summer garden.

Nutritional Information

Per 1 cup raw Shishito peppers (approx. 91g):

• Calories: 30
• Total Fat: 0.2g (0% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 5mg (0% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 7g (3% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5g (5% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Vitamin C: 72mg (80% Daily Value)
• Vitamin B6: 0.3mg (18% Daily Value)
• Vitamin A: 630IU (13% Daily Value)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in size, color, and heat level. Approximately 1 in 10 Shishito peppers may carry more heat than expected — this is a natural characteristic of the variety. Results may vary.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored pepper seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11 as a perennial; grown as an annual in Zones 3–8. Thrives in warm to hot climates — an excellent choice for Texas and Southern gardens.

Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.