Hot Pepper Seeds - Padron

The Padron pepper is a beloved variety originating from Spain, known for its unique culinary appeal and mild-to-medium heat. These small, green peppers are a staple in Spanish cuisine, often sautéed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt for tapas. With a surprise element in their heat level, Padron peppers add excitement to the plate and are a must-have for gardeners who enjoy flavorful, versatile crops.

Key Benefits

• Mild to Medium Heat: Most peppers are mild, with occasional surprises of medium heat (500–2,000 SHUs).
• Culinary Versatility: Perfect for grilling, sautéing, or stir-frying; ideal for tapas or side dishes.
• High Yield: Prolific plants that produce abundant harvests throughout the season.
• Quick Growing: Short growing period, making them suitable for multiple harvests.
• Compact Plants: Great for containers or small garden spaces.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants reaching 18–24 inches tall.
• Fruit Profile: Small, green peppers (2–4 inches) that mature to red if left on the plant. Thin, tender skin with a slightly smoky, rich flavor.
• Heat Level: Mostly mild with occasional medium-heat peppers.
• Maturity: 60–75 days from planting to first harvest.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date.
• Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and temperatures remain above 70°F (21°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart, with rows spaced 18–24 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Provide consistent moisture, watering deeply once or twice a week.
• Avoid waterlogging the soil to prevent root rot.

Fertilization

• Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting and again during flowering.

Weeding and Mulching

• Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.
• Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
• Diseases: Practice crop rotation and provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Ready for harvest in 60–75 days when peppers are 2–4 inches long and green.
• For spicier peppers, allow them to ripen and turn red.

How to Harvest

• Use scissors or shears to snip peppers from the plant to avoid damage.

Storage

• Fresh Storage: Refrigerate fresh peppers for up to one week.
• Freezing: Blanch peppers before freezing to preserve flavor and texture.
• Drying: Dry peppers for use in chili powders or seasonings.

Culinary Uses

• Tapas: Sauté Padron peppers in olive oil with sea salt for a classic Spanish appetizer.
• Grilled: Enhance their smoky flavor by grilling and serving as a side dish.
• Salads: Add sautéed peppers to salads for a rich, mild heat.
• Stir-Fries: Use in stir-fries for a delicious, tender vegetable.
• Stuffed: Fill with cheese or meats for a creative twist.

Conclusion

Padron peppers are a garden favorite for their mild heat, rich flavor, and culinary versatility. Easy to grow and quick to harvest, they offer abundant yields and a touch of surprise with each bite. Perfect for gardeners and food enthusiasts alike, Padron peppers bring a taste of Spain to your garden and kitchen.