Shishito Sweet Pepper Seeds – Japanese Heirloom (Capsicum annuum)

Shishito Sweet Pepper – Japanese Heirloom

Capsicum annuum | Annual | 60 Days to Maturity

A beloved staple of Japanese and Korean cuisine, the Shishito — known as kkwari-gochu in Korea and affectionately called the “Wrinkled Old Man Pepper” — is one of the most satisfying peppers to grow and eat. Slender, glossy, and brilliantly green, each 3–4 inch fruit is thin-walled with a tender, crisp bite and a predominantly mild flavor, though one in every ten pods delivers a surprising kick. Blister them in a cast-iron skillet, skewer for yakitori, fold into tempura batter, or sauté with garlic — Shishito is the ultimate quick-cook pepper. Dwarf compact plants (up to 35 cm) are extremely productive and perfectly sized for container growing.

Plant Details

• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Type: Japanese Heirloom Sweet / Mildly Spicy Pepper
• Days to Maturity: ~60 days from transplant
• Fruit Size: 3–4 inches long × ~1 inch wide; slender, wrinkled
• Average Weight: ~7 grams per pod
• Color: Bright green (harvest stage); ripens to red if left on plant
• Heat Level: Mostly mild with occasional medium pods (~200 SHU average)
• Plant Height: Up to 35 cm; compact, dwarf habit
• Growing Environment: Garden, greenhouse, or containers

Soil & Water

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; pH 6.0–6.8. Water consistently, maintaining even soil moisture. Avoid waterlogging. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Planting & Growing Tips

• Optional: soak seeds in room-temperature water for up to 24 hours before sowing to accelerate germination.
• Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last expected frost date; sow ¼ inch deep in organic seed-starting mix.
• Maintain 80–85°F (27–29°C) soil temperature; use a seedling heat mat for best results. Germination: 1–4 weeks.
• Harden off seedlings by placing outdoors in a wind-protected spot with a few hours of sun, gradually increasing exposure over 1–2 weeks.
• Transplant outdoors once nights stay consistently above 55°F (13°C).
• Container growing: ideal in 5-gallon pots; compact size makes it an excellent balcony or patio pepper.
• Avoid jiffy peat pots and standard potting mix — use organic seed-starting material for optimal germination.

Harvest Tips

• Harvest green at 3–4 inches for classic flavor and thin-walled crispness — perfect for blistering and frying.
• Pick frequently once production begins; this is a prolific variety that rewards consistent harvesting.
• Use garden scissors to cut cleanly from the stem. Avoid pulling, which stresses the plant.
• Rich in vitamins A and C; pairs beautifully with soy, sesame, citrus, and flaky salt.