Annuals
Capsicum annuum 'Shishito'
Shishito Pepper
UnknownSouth America
At a Glance
Typeannual
Habitupright bushy
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width12-18 inches
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' is a compact, bushy annual vegetable plant that produces distinctive thin-walled peppers prized in Japanese cuisine. The plant typically grows 18-24 inches tall with an upright, branching habit and dark green, ovate leaves that are smooth and glossy. Small white flowers appear in summer, followed by the characteristic slender, wrinkled peppers that are 3-4 inches long and bright green when immature, turning red when fully ripe.
The peppers are the main attraction of Capsicum annuum 'Shishito', known for their mild, sweet flavor with a subtle heat that appears in roughly 1 in 10 peppers. The fruits have thin walls and a distinctive curved, tapered shape with a blunt tip. The plant is highly productive, yielding numerous peppers throughout the growing season when harvested regularly at the green stage.
Native Range
Capsicum annuum is native to Central and South America, particularly regions of Mexico and northern South America. The 'Shishito' cultivar was developed and popularized in Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries as a specialty pepper.Suggested Uses
Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers. Excellent for kitchen gardens and specialty crop production. The peppers are perfect for grilling, stir-frying, and Japanese cuisine. Suitable for greenhouse cultivation and makes an attractive edible landscape plant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Colors
Flower Colors
white
Foliage Colors
green
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
whiteFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing 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
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
moderate
Frost Tolerance
tender
Time to Maturity
60-70 days
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' requires consistent moisture and warm temperatures for optimal growth. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging, as peppers prefer well-draining soil that stays evenly moist. Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, or use a slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Provide support with stakes or cages as the plant becomes heavy with fruit. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.Pruning
Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' benefits from light pruning to encourage bushier growth and better fruit production. Pinch off the first few flowers to encourage stronger root and stem development. Remove any suckers that develop in leaf joints and prune lower leaves that touch the ground to improve air circulation. Regular harvesting of mature peppers encourages continued production throughout the season.Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' is generally safe for human consumption when the fruits are used as intended. The peppers contain capsaicin which may cause mild irritation to sensitive individuals. Not toxic to pets in small quantities, though the mild heat may be unpleasant for animals.Planting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
8 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65°F
Days to Maturity
60–70 days
Plant Spacing
12 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions
tomatoes
basil
oregano
parsley
carrots
onions
Avoid Planting With
fennel
brassicas
beans