Hot Pepper Seeds,
Pimiento De Padron

4.320 ReviewsSKU: #HPP168
Price
Regular price $3.25
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.25
Save $-3.25
/

Min. 25 seeds

FREE U.S. SHIPPING, 2-YEAR GUARANTEE


Description

(Capsicum baccatum). These small-fruited peppers originated in Galicia, northwest Spain, where the bite-sized green fruit is sautéed in olive oil and served with coarsely ground sea salt in tapas bars across the country. Most of the peppers are relatively mild, but an occasional unpredictable hot one led a New York Times writer to call eating the dish a game of "Spanish Roulette!" Also fine for pickled peppers; the heat increases as they ripen to red. An authentic regional variety.

Growing Tips: Start indoors in bright light 8-12 weeks before last frost date. Heat mat helps to warm soil and speed germination. Peppers often appreciate a bit of afternoon shade during the hottest summer weather.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
60
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

These peppers thrive in warm temperatures and should be started indoors 8–12 weeks before the last frost. Once all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 65 F, the seedlings can be transplanted outdoors. These plants do best in tropical and subtropical climates but can also adapt to other zones if given an early start​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Start by sowing seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. The seeds will germinate in 10-14 days, and it’s best if the temperature is 80-85 F during this time. When transplanting, space the seedlings 14-18 inches apart to give them enough room​ to grow.

How to Grow

Pimiento de Padron peppers require full sun, ideally 8-12 hours daily. The soil should be enriched with organic compost for fertility and have excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Water the plants consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can apply a balanced fertilizer every 2–4 weeks to support healthy growth, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to encourage fruiting.

How to Save Seeds

  • Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
  • To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

Is Pimiento de Padron very hot?

Most of these peppers will be quite mild, but occasionally one or two will pack a hotter punch than the rest.

Browse our full range of pepper seeds.

Customer reviews

4.3 / 5 20 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Blister and salt: Blistered in olive oil with sea salt, tapas style; grassy flavor.

  • Heavy producer: One plant gives a plateful every few days for months.

  • Big plants: Bushes reach 3 to 5 feet tall and outgrow other peppers.

  • Early to pick: Among the first peppers to ripen, well before slower types.

  • Heads up: Heat climbs with size and stress; pick small or they all run hot.

More to grow!
See all Pepper Seeds