Capsicum annuum 'Shishito', Shishito Pepper
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Annuals

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito'

Shishito Pepper

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright, bushy
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width12-18 inches
Maturity0.25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5a - 10b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' is a compact annual pepper plant renowned for producing the slender, distinctively wrinkled green peppers that are a staple in Japanese cuisine. The plant typically reaches 18-24 inches in height with an upright, bushy growth habit and bright green, oval-shaped leaves that provide an attractive backdrop to the developing fruits. Small white, star-shaped flowers appear in clusters throughout the growing season, developing into the signature thin-walled peppers that give this cultivar its culinary fame. The peppers themselves are the plant's most distinguishing feature, measuring 3-4 inches in length with a characteristic finger-like shape and prominently wrinkled surface texture that sets them apart from smooth-skinned pepper varieties. Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' is celebrated for producing peppers with minimal heat levels, though approximately one in ten peppers may surprise with a moderate spicy kick. The thin walls and sweet, slightly smoky flavor when cooked make these peppers ideal for traditional preparation methods such as blistering whole in a hot pan or grilling, where they develop a tender texture and concentrated flavor.

Native Range

Capsicum annuum originates from Central and South America, particularly the regions of Mexico and northern South America where wild ancestors of modern pepper varieties still grow today. The 'Shishito' cultivar represents centuries of selective breeding and cultivation in Japan, where it was developed and refined to achieve its distinctive mild flavor profile and characteristic wrinkled appearance that Japanese cooks prize for traditional cooking methods.

Suggested Uses

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' excels in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container growing situations where space may be limited. The compact, bushy growth habit makes it particularly well-suited for patio containers, small-space gardens, and urban growing environments. This cultivar is an excellent choice for culinary gardens focused on Asian cuisine and international cooking, while the attractive foliage and colorful peppers add ornamental value to edible landscape designs. The relatively easy care requirements and reliable production make it an ideal selection for beginning gardeners wanting to grow specialty peppers, and the continuous harvest throughout the growing season provides steady yields for fresh cooking.

How to Identify

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' can be readily identified by its distinctive thin, prominently wrinkled peppers that measure 3-4 inches in length and taper to a characteristic blunt point. The peppers display a unique bumpy, creased surface texture that remains light to medium green when ready for harvest, distinguishing them from smooth-skinned pepper varieties. The compact plant maintains a bushy, upright growth habit with bright green, oval-shaped leaves and produces small white, star-shaped flowers in clusters. Unlike bell peppers or other common varieties, the slender fruits hang downward from the stems and exhibit a slightly curved form that contributes to their finger-like appearance.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
continuously from summer through early fall until frost

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

bright green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-70 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' thrives with consistent moisture and warm growing conditions throughout the season. Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, but ensure excellent drainage as peppers are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings rather than keeping constantly saturated. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during active growth, then reduce nitrogen levels once flowering begins to encourage fruit production over excessive foliage growth. The compact plants may benefit from small stakes or cages when heavily loaded with peppers to prevent branches from breaking. Harvest peppers regularly when they reach 3-4 inches in length and remain green for optimal flavor and to encourage continued production.

Pruning

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' requires minimal pruning but benefits from selective maintenance throughout the growing season. Pinch off the first few flower clusters that appear to encourage stronger root and stem development before fruit production begins. Remove yellowing, damaged, or diseased leaves promptly to maintain plant health and improve air circulation. Pinch out small suckers that develop in the joints between leaves and stems to direct the plant's energy toward fruit production rather than excessive vegetative growth. At season's end, harvest all remaining peppers before the first frost threatens, as the tender plants cannot survive freezing temperatures.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' produces fruits that are completely safe for human consumption and are prized for their generally mild heat level, though occasional peppers may contain moderate capsaicin levels. The leaves and stems contain trace amounts of solanine, a compound common to the nightshade family, and should not be consumed. In normal garden settings, the plants pose no toxicity concerns for pets, though large quantities of peppers may cause digestive upset in sensitive animals due to capsaicin content.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature consistently reaches 65°F

Days to Maturity

60–70 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
basil
oregano
parsley
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
beans
Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' (Shishito Pepper) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef