Pepper, Chile, “Shishito” Seeds
Heirloom. Organic.
The ‘Shishito’ is finding its way into many restaurants as a popular appetizer. The 2″–4″ slender peppers have a citrusy, slightly smoky flavor enhanced by grilling or sautéing, and can be the life of the party when an occasional hot one passes the mouth of the unsuspecting. Highly productive plants. 50–200 Scoville heat units (mild).
Packet contains ~20 seeds.
Days to Maturity: 60-75 days from transplanting
Plant Vitals
When to Sow Outside: For Mild Climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after average last frost, when soil temperature is at least 70°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F. Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F, and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mild Climates: May be sown in late summer for fall/winter crop.
Days to Emerge: 10–25 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: Start Indoors
Row Spacing: 24"–36"
Thinning: Start indoors, plant seedlings 18" – 24" apart outside
Harvesting: Generally harvested when green, at 2"–4" long, but can also be left on the plant to mature to red. When harvesting, take care to avoid touching the interior of any broken peppers, as the capsaicin is an extreme irritant, especially to the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after harvesting or wear gloves to harvest peppers.
Special Care: Pepper seed germinates best in very warm soil. Either use a heat mat under your seed starting tray or place tray in a warm room. Do not overwater, but keep soil just slightly moist. Make sure the potting containers are big enough that the plants’ roots will not be constricted; if seedlings become rootbound, the plants’ growth may be stunted.