The Pimiento de Padron pepper typically grows to an average height of 60-90 cm and a width of 25-30 cm. It has a bushy structure. It has elongated green leaves with slightly pointed blade tips, and the edge of the blade can sometimes be wavy. The flowers are white. After transplantation, it takes 75-85 days for the first fruits to be harvested. During ripening, the fruits transition from green to yellowish-green and finally to red. The fruits are 5-7 cm long. They have thin and crispy flesh, making them perfect for grilling. They can be prepared on the grill, in a pan, or in the oven. After slightly blistering at high temperature, finish them with a little olive oil and salt. Peppers prepared in this way are a specialty in Spain. An interesting aspect of this variety is that most of the fruits are mildly spicy, but you may come across some 10-25% that are much hotter than the others.
Growing Conditions
Sowing time: mid to late February
Light requirements: plant seedlings in a well-lit area with some shade.
Optimal sowing temperature: 22-26 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Planting: seedlings are transplanted directly into the soil or large pots when the soil temperature is >18.5 °C and air temperature is >20 °C, in our climate towards the end of May.
Temperatures after transplantation: optimal daytime air temperature is 25 °C, nighttime temperature should be around 18 °C.
Pot size required: if planting in pots, use containers with a minimum capacity of 20 liters.
Spacing within the row: space plants 35-60 cm apart within the row
Spacing between rows: space rows 60-90 cm apart due to bushy growth.
Watering: in the field, watering depends on rainfall; during dry periods, water at least once a week. Water potted peppers as needed, if the substrate at the root level is dry. Water exclusively at the base of the plant, avoiding spraying the leaves.
Fertilization: from transplanting to flowering, apply foliar fertilizer (spraying over the leaves) once a week with a formulation of 19:6:20, and during flowering until the end of harvest, use a formulation of 15:5:30.
