Shishito peppers are a great choice for beginner and intermediate gardeners—they’re low-maintenance, have a mild flavor with just the occasional surprise kick, and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Whether you’re already growing other veggies in your garden or this is your first attempt, learning how to grow Shishito peppers will be a rewarding experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully grow Shishito peppers from planting to harvest.
Along the way, we’ll sprinkle in some useful tips that will make your gardening experience smooth and enjoyable.
Why Shishito Peppers?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to grow Shishito peppers, let’s talk about why they’re a great addition to your garden.
Shishito peppers are fun to grow because they’re prolific, meaning you get a lot of peppers from just a few plants. They’re relatively small, so you don’t need a ton of space, and they’re versatile in the kitchen—perfect for grilling, frying, or even eating raw.
Plus, they tend to be a crowd-pleaser at parties, especially when you casually mention you grew them yourself.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
The first step in learning how to grow Shishito peppers is gathering your supplies. You don’t need anything too fancy, but having the right basics will set you up for success.
Shishito pepper seeds: You can find these online or at most garden stores. Make sure to pick seeds from a reputable source for the best results.
Containers or garden space: Shishitos do great in pots, especially if you’re limited on space. A 3-5 gallon container with good drainage works well.
Good quality soil: Look for organic potting soil if you’re growing them in containers, or prep your garden soil by mixing in compost or organic matter.
Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer will help keep your plants healthy throughout the growing season.
Sunlight: Shishito peppers love sun. You’ll want a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Should You Start from Seeds or Seedlings?
One of the first questions you might have is whether to start from seeds or buy young plants from a nursery.
If you’re new to gardening, starting from seedlings (young plants) might seem easier. They give you a little head start, and you don’t have to wait as long for the peppers to mature.
That said, growing from seeds can be fun and rewarding, especially when you see the little green shoots poking through the soil.
If you go this route, you’ll want to start your seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost of the season. Shishitos are warm-weather plants, so they won’t do well if it’s too chilly outside.
Planting Shishito Peppers
Once you’ve decided between seeds and seedlings, the next step is planting.
If you’re growing your Shishitos in containers, fill your pot with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
If you’re planting directly in the ground, make sure the soil is loose and well-drained.
For seeds, plant them about ¼ inch deep in the soil and keep the soil moist but not soaked.
If you’re using seedlings, dig a hole about as deep as the plant’s root ball and cover it with soil. Pat the soil down gently and give the plant a good watering.
If you’re wondering about spacing, give each plant about 18-24 inches between one another if you’re planting in the ground. In containers, one plant per pot should do the trick.
Watering: The Goldilocks Method
Now that you’ve got your plants or seeds in the ground, let’s talk watering.
One of the most common questions beginner gardeners ask is, “How much should I water?” Shishito peppers like soil that’s moist but not soggy.
It’s a bit of a balancing act—you don’t want to drown the plants, but you don’t want them to dry out either.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I first started growing peppers. I figured more water was better, but all I ended up with was a soggy, unhappy plant.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather, but let it dry out just a little bit between waterings.
A good rule of thumb is to water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. If you’re growing in containers, check them a little more often since pots tend to dry out faster than garden soil. You can also use a soil moisture meter for a more accurate reading.
Feeding Your Plants: A Little Fertilizer Goes a Long Way
Shishito peppers, like most plants, appreciate a little snack now and then in the form of fertilizer.
A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, will provide the essential nutrients they need to grow strong and produce lots of peppers.
Fertilize about once a month during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can actually cause more leafy growth and fewer peppers, so stick to the recommended amounts.
Supporting Your Plants
As your Shishito pepper plants grow, they may need a little support.
Since they’re small, they don’t need elaborate staking or cages like tomatoes, but you might want to give them a little help by tying them to a small garden stake, especially if you live in a windy area.
I’ve had a few plants bend over under the weight of all their peppers, so a little extra support goes a long way.
Pest Control and Problems to Watch For
Shishito peppers are relatively hardy, but they’re not immune to pests and problems.
Common pepper pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you spot any of these, you can usually control them with a strong spray of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Another thing to watch for is blossom end rot, which can cause the bottom of the peppers to turn black and mushy.
This is usually a sign that the plant isn’t getting enough calcium. Make sure you’re watering consistently and consider adding a calcium supplement if needed.
Harvesting Shishito Peppers
The best part of learning how to grow Shishito peppers is, of course, the harvest! Shishitos are ready to pick when they’re about 3-4 inches long and have a bright green color.
You don’t need to wait for them to turn red—they’re typically harvested green, though you can leave a few to ripen if you want a slightly different flavor.
One of the cool things about Shishito peppers is that they produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, so you’ll be able to harvest them several times.
The more you pick, the more they’ll produce, so don’t be afraid to grab them when they’re ready.
When harvesting, use scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers off the plant, leaving a small bit of stem attached. This will help prevent damage to the plant.
Cooking and Enjoying Your Shishito Peppers

Now that you’ve mastered how to grow Shishito peppers, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor—literally!
Shishito peppers are delicious when charred in a hot skillet or on the grill. Just toss them with a little olive oil and sea salt, and you’ve got yourself a simple, tasty appetizer.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also stuff them with cheese, use them in stir-fries, or even pickle them.
The mild flavor of Shishitos means they can be used in a variety of dishes without overpowering the other ingredients.
Common Questions About Growing Shishito Peppers
As you’re learning how to grow Shishito peppers, a few questions might pop up. Let’s address some common concerns:
Do Shishito peppers need full sun?
Yes! Shishito peppers thrive in full sunlight, so aim for 6-8 hours of direct sun per day.
How long does it take for Shishito peppers to grow?
From planting, it takes about 60-75 days for Shishitos to be ready for harvest.
Can Shishito peppers be grown in pots?
Absolutely. Shishitos do well in containers, as long as the pot is large enough and has good drainage.
Final Thoughts: Growing Shishito Peppers is Easy and Fun!
Growing Shishito peppers is a great project for beginner and intermediate gardeners alike.
They’re forgiving, productive, and delicious—what more could you ask for? Plus, now that you know how to grow Shishito peppers, you can impress your friends and family with homegrown appetizers all summer long.
So go ahead, grab some seeds or seedlings, find a sunny spot, and get started. Before you know it, you’ll have a bumper crop of Shishito peppers, ready to be cooked up and enjoyed!
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