Padron Chili Plant (Capsicum annuum) 2L Pot

Padrón is a Spanish pepper variety traditionally harvested while the fruit is small and green.

The plant produces numerous tapered green peppers, usually picked at approximately 3–5 cm long. The young fruit is commonly fried or blistered in oil and served with salt as a tapas dish.

Most Padrón peppers are mild, but occasional fruit can develop considerably more heat. Fruit left on the plant will increase in size and eventually ripen to red.

In the UK, Padrón grows well in a greenhouse, polytunnel or sheltered sunny patio position.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Common names: Padrón Pepper, Pimiento de Padrón
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Bushy annual or short-lived tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 50–80 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: Small white flowers
Fruit: Small tapered peppers ripening from green to red
Heat level: Usually mild, with occasional hotter fruit
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels, patios and containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Padrón plant in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and sunny position. Move the plant into a larger container if required to support continued growth and fruit production.

Keep the compost evenly moist, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Container-grown plants may require frequent watering during warm summer weather.

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young fruit appear.

Picking small green peppers regularly encourages the plant to continue producing flowers and fruit.

Plants grown outside should only be placed outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a warm, sheltered position protected from strong winds.

Padrón is usually grown as an annual in the UK. Plants may sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position, although survival cannot be guaranteed.

Fruiting in the UK

Padrón peppers can fruit successfully in the UK when provided with warmth and strong light. Greenhouse and polytunnel cultivation usually gives the earliest and most reliable harvest.

Fruit is traditionally picked while small and green but can be left to mature and turn red.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one healthy Padrón Pepper plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Size and development will vary depending on the time of year.

Important Information

The heat of Padrón peppers is naturally unpredictable. Do not assume that every fruit will be mild.

Wear gloves when preparing any fruit that tastes hot. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.