Photo: "Padrón peppers" by Conall · CC BY 2.0

Pepper · Thin-walled

Padron Peppers

Open-pollinated · Solanaceae

Traditional Spanish tapas pepper (Pimientos de Padrón). Nearly identical growing profile to Shishito. ~1 in 10-20 is mildly to moderately hot — heat increases when fruit is left on plant longer or grown in hotter weather. Best harvested at 2 inches for mildest flavor. Compact 18-24 inch plant. Very fast producer. Open-pollinated.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

60–65 days

Sun

6+ hours

8-10 hours

Spacing

12–18 "

Seed Start

8–10 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

3+ gallon pot

Height

1.5–2 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–14 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F

Harden Off 10 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Consistent

Method Drip or base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Soil Type Well-draining

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Very-low Drought: Low

Common Problems

blossom-drop

Cause: Standard pepper thresholds.

Prevention: Standard management.

variable-heat

Cause: ~1 in 10-20 fruit is mildly to moderately hot. Heat increases with: larger fruit size, hotter weather, drought stress, and time on plant.

Prevention: Harvest at 2 inches for mildest flavor. Consistent watering reduces heat.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Recommended Recipes Root drench

Harvest

Green, 2-3 inches, slightly wrinkled, 0.5-1 oz. Harvest at 2 inches for mildest flavor.

Expected Yield 2–5 lbs/plant

Storage 7 days — Crisper drawer.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Genovese basil Repels aphids

French marigold Repels nematodes

Avoid Planting Near

Herb fennel Inhibits most plants

Sources

seed_catalog Multiple catalogs reference Bosland & Votava (2012) university Cornell Extension

More Peppers

Padron Peppers Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Padron Peppers vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

Ready to grow Padron?

Get a personalized planting schedule based on your exact zone with frost dates, task reminders, and feeding plans.

Start Your Garden Plan