Padron Pepper produces distinctive Spanish peppers with a mostly mild, savory flavor and an occasional surprise of heat. The fruits range from approximately 500 to 2,500 Scoville Heat Units and are well suited to containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Named for the town where they originated, Padron peppers are traditionally harvested at 1–1½ inches long, quickly sautéed in olive oil, finished with sea salt, and served as Spanish tapas. About 1 out of 20 fruits may be hot, while fruits left to grow 2–3 inches long become hot. Ripens green to red.

Germination Rate: 87%. Test Date: 12/25. TLM.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 55%

Why Choose Padron Pepper?

• Spanish Tapas Favorite: Harvest the small green fruits at the traditional size, blister them in olive oil, and finish with sea salt for a classic appetizer.
• Mostly Mild with a Surprise: Most peppers are relatively mild, but about 1 in 20 may deliver unexpected heat, giving the harvest its famous Spanish Roulette character.
• Heat Increases with Size: Fruits harvested at 1–1½ inches are typically milder, while fruits allowed to reach 2–3 inches become hot.
• Flexible Growing: Grow Padron peppers in containers, garden plots, raised beds, or greenhouses.
• Compact Harvests: Regular picking encourages continued production throughout the warm growing season.
• Heirloom Flavor: Enjoy a traditional pepper with a distinctive history and a savory, versatile taste.

Planting Tips for Success

• Start Indoors: Begin seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost to give this warm-season pepper a strong head start.
• Provide Sunlight: Grow in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct light each day.
• Prepare the Soil: Use fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Containers should have drainage holes and a quality potting mix.
• Plant Carefully: Sow seeds approximately ¼ inch deep and keep the seedbed evenly moist during germination.
• Transplant Safely: Move plants outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain above 55°F.
• Space Plants: Allow about 18–24 inches between plants, with additional room for airflow in humid conditions.
• Water Consistently: Water deeply and regularly, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings without letting plants wilt repeatedly.
• Support and Feed: Stake plants if branches become heavy with fruit. Start with balanced fertilizer, then avoid excessive nitrogen once flowering begins so plants focus on fruit production.
• Harvest Often: Pick fruits at 1–1½ inches for the classic milder Padron experience, or leave some fruits longer for more heat.
• Handle with Care: Because individual fruits can vary in heat, consider wearing gloves when harvesting and avoid touching your eyes.

Why Choose David’s Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: David’s Garden Seeds® has supplied premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: We support local agriculture and communities through our commitment to Texas-grown business.
• Integrity Pledge: We stand behind our commitment to safe, dependable seed and honest product information.
• Vegetable Seed License: Our vegetable seed offerings are provided in accordance with applicable seed-selling and labeling requirements.
• Great Customer Service: David answers customer service questions, usually within a few minutes.

Cooking Methods

• Spanish Tapas: Sauté whole 1–1½-inch peppers in olive oil until blistered, then sprinkle with sea salt and serve warm.
• Grilled: Grill whole peppers until the skins char and soften, then serve as a side dish or appetizer.
• Roasted: Roast Padron peppers with olive oil and garlic for a simple accompaniment to grains, meats, or crusty bread.
• Pickled: Preserve small peppers in a vinegar brine for a bright, tangy condiment.
• Fresh Garnish: Slice raw peppers into sandwiches, bowls, and salads for crisp texture and gentle green-pepper flavor.

Order Padron Pepper Seeds Today

Grow your own Spanish tapas peppers and enjoy a mostly mild harvest with an occasional fiery surprise.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition for 1 ounce of raw Padron pepper, based on harvested peppers rather than planting seeds:

• Calories: Approximately 6
• Total Carbohydrate: Approximately 1.4 grams, about 1% Daily Value
• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 0.5 grams, about 2% Daily Value
• Protein: Approximately 0.3 grams, about 1% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: Approximately 18 milligrams, about 20% Daily Value
• Vitamin A: Approximately 20 micrograms RAE, about 2% Daily Value
• Potassium: Approximately 60 milligrams, about 1% Daily Value

Nutrition varies with growing conditions, harvest size, variety, preparation, and serving size. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. These values apply to harvested Padron peppers, not seeds.

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heat level, fruit size, color, production, maturity, and harvest timing can vary with weather, soil, cultural practices, and local growing conditions. Individual Padron fruits can vary from mild to hot.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container. Protect them from moisture and temperature swings to help preserve viability.
• Planting Zones: Padron pepper is a warm-season annual. Start indoors in cooler climates and transplant outdoors only after frost danger has passed. Check local planting calendars for the best timing in your area.

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