🫑
Pepper, Shishito Growing Guide
Solanaceae family — Shishito varietal
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative Growth
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 20 | May 29 | — | Aug 2 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 27 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 20 | May 29 | — | Aug 2 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 10 | May 19 | — | Jul 23 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 6 | May 15 | — | Jul 19 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 18 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 3 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 3 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 13 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Apr 19 | — | Jun 23 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 25 | Apr 5 | — | Jun 9 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 23 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 7 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 13 | Mar 24 | — | May 28 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 26 | Mar 6 | — | May 10 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 3 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 3 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 4 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Pepper, Shishito?
Pepper, Shishito takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Pepper, Shishito need?
Pepper, Shishito requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Pepper, Shishito?
Plant Pepper, Shishito at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Pepper, Shishito survive frost?
Pepper, Shishito is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
How long does Pepper, Shishito take to germinate?
Pepper, Shishito seeds germinate in 8-21 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.
When should I start Pepper, Shishito seeds indoors?
Start Pepper, Shishito seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Extremely prolific; plants produce dozens of thin-walled peppers
- Best cooked quickly at high heat (blistered in oil or grilled)
- One of the earliest peppers to produce fruit
Common Pests & Diseases
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Blossom end rot
Harvest Notes
Pick green at 3-4 inches for the classic blistered preparation. Red-ripe shishitos are sweeter but less commonly used.
Plan Your Pepper, Shishito Garden
Track Pepper, Shishito from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
Start Free Learn More
