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Padron Pepper
Capsicum annuum
The most famous pepper of Spain, the Padron Pepper (or Pimiento de Padron) is a unique and delightful little pepper with a variety of traditional uses. Fruits are most commonly picked green and have a delicious sweet flavor, with some heat near their centers. Though often classified as a sweet pepper, about 5-10% of the fruits come out hot. If allowed to ripen to red, fruits gain heat as well. Usually fried and used for tapas, but the peppers can also be processed into paprika.
Seed Availability
Seeds are now available at our seed store.
Days to Maturity
55-80 days, depending on usage.
Heat Level
Sweet to hot, depending on ripening stage.
Origin
Heirloom pepper variety originally from the town of Padron, Spain.
Germination Info
Start seeds in small containers from 8-10 weeks prior to the last frost date. Plant seeds approximately 1/4-1/2" deep in moist, well drained potting soil. Most standard soil mixes are suitable for pepper seeds. Soil temperature must be kept at 75-90F for proper germination. Cool soil, particularly at night can inhibit or significantly delay germination. To keep soil temperature warm, start seeds indoors, in a greenhouse and/or use a seed starting heat mat. Keep soil moderately moist, though not overly, dripping wet. Water soil when the soil surface just begins to dry. Allow proper air circulation for containers.
Optionally, seeds can be dipped in a dilute hydrogen peroxide mix (1 tsp hydrogen peroxide per cup water) for one minute to disinfect seeds prior to planting. If your soil or seed setup is susceptible to mold growth this can be useful to kill mold spores.
Once seedlings have sprouted, keep in small containers until a few sets of leaves have developed. Transplant to larger containers or outdoors. If transplanting outdoors, make sure to harden off seedlings by exposing them to only filtered sunlight for up to 1-2 weeks. Thin plants to 3-4 ft and rows to 6-10 ft.
Estimated germination time under optimal conditions: 2-6 weeks