# Shishito

Source: https://shop.homegrowngardenschicago.com/product/594/
Published: 2024-02-28
Updated: 2026-04-01

---

## **SHISHITO PEPPER (*Capsicum annuum*)**

**Transplant | Mid–Late May | Annual**

Shishito peppers are a popular Japanese variety known for their small, slender shape and mild, slightly sweet flavor. The thin-walled peppers grow 3–4 inches long and mature from green to red, producing abundant harvests throughout the summer.

Typically mild with little to no heat, shishitos are famous for the occasional surprise spicy pepper, adding a fun element to every harvest. They are most often enjoyed blistered in a hot pan with a touch of oil and salt, creating a simple and delicious appetizer.

Highly productive and easy to grow, shishito pepper plants produce generous yields and are perfect for raised beds, containers, and kitchen gardens.

## Growing Details

**Spice Level:** Very Mild\
**Scoville Heat Units:** 50–200 SHU\
**Harvest:** Harvest when peppers are green and 3–4 inches long for best flavor, or allow to ripen red for added sweetness\
**Plant Spacing:** 2 ft\
**Sun:** Full sun\
**Cold Tolerance:** Warm-season crop; plant after danger of frost

## Garden Companions

**Best planted with:**\
Basil, tomatoes, onions, carrots, oregano

**Benefits:**\
Companion plants attract beneficial insects and support healthy garden growth.

**Avoid planting near:**\
Fennel, which may inhibit pepper growth.

## Pro Growing Tips

• Harvest frequently to encourage continuous production\
• Most peppers are mild, with an occasional spicy one\
• Best enjoyed blistered, grilled, or sautéed\
• Thrives in warm soil and full sun conditions

## Health Highlights

**Vitamin-rich peppers**\
Shishito peppers provide vitamins A and C along with beneficial antioxidants.

**Low-calorie snack**\
A light, flavorful option for healthy snacking and cooking.

**Antioxidant support**\
Contains beneficial plant compounds that support overall wellness.

*Pre-order now for productive summer transplants ready for planting after the last frost.*