Capsicum annuum (Paprika) Pimientos de Padrón – Classic Spanish Snack Paprika

Capsicum annuum (Sweet Pepper) Pimientos de Padrón is a traditional Spanish pepper variety known for its small, green snacking peppers and spicy flavor. This variety produces slender, 5–10 cm long peppers that are ideal for frying, grilling, or serving as a tapas dish. Pimientos de Padrón is perfect for gardeners who want to harvest a productive, flavorful, and authentic Spanish pepper in a greenhouse, open ground, or pots.

Characteristics of Capsicum annuum (Paprika) Pimientos de Padrón

Pimientos de Padrón are distinguished by their compact, robust plants and small, slender fruits. The peppers have a characteristic green color at harvest and a mild to sometimes spicy flavor—about one in ten peppers can be surprisingly hot, which is what makes this variety so appealing.

Key Features:

• Type: Snack pepper / Capsicum annuum

• Taste: Mostly mild with occasional spicy fruits

• Fruit color: Green (ripe orange-red possible, but usually harvested green)

• Fruit shape: Slender, 5–10 cm long

• Fruit weight: 15–30 grams

• Plant height: 40–70 cm

• Location: Full sun, warm and sheltered

• Harvest period: July – October

• Growing location: Greenhouse, open ground and pots

Care and cultivation

Pimientos de Padrón is an easy-to-grow snack pepper that thrives in warm, sunny conditions with fertile, well-drained soil. This variety offers a continuous harvest of small peppers and is suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Cultivation advice:

• Sow: Indoors from February to April at 20–25°C.

• Prick out: When seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.

• Planting out: After mid-May or when night temperatures remain above 10°C.

• Soil: Airy, humus-rich and well-drained.

• Water: Water regularly, keep the soil slightly moist.

• Fertilization: Organic fertilizer or liquid tomato food promotes healthy growth and fruit set.

• Support: Light supports are usually not necessary, but can be useful when there is heavy fruit set.

• Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal yield.

Pimientos de Padrón also grows well in 10–15 litre pots, ideal for a balcony or terrace.

Taste and culinary applications

Pimientos de Padrón are famous as a tapas dish and are often fried in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. The combination of predominantly mild peppers with a few surprisingly hot ones makes eating them a truly exciting experience.

Usage possibilities:

• Baked tapas: Fry briefly in olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

• Grilled: Ideal for barbecue or grill pan.

• Stir-fries: Add a mild spicy note to vegetable dishes.

• Salads: Small peppers add color and flavor.

• Snack: Delicious as a healthy snack.

Benefits of Capsicum annuum (Paprika) Pimientos de Padrón

1. Snack size: Small, slim and ideal for eating raw or cooked.

2. Traditional Spanish variety: Authentic Padrón taste.

3. High yield: Many small fruits per plant.

4. Compact and productive: Suitable for greenhouses, gardens and pots.

5. Versatile: Can be baked, grilled, stir-fried or enjoyed as a snack.

6. Pleasant surprise: Unpredictably spicy peppers make them exciting to eat.

Conclusion

Capsicum annuum (Sweet Pepper) Pimientos de Padrón is the perfect choice for gardeners looking to grow an authentic Spanish snacking pepper. These small, green peppers are tasty, versatile, and create a delightful tapas-style experience. Thanks to their robust growth and compact plants, this variety is suitable for greenhouses, gardens, or containers. Add Pimientos de Padrón to your growing plan and enjoy an abundance of flavorful, surprising peppers throughout the season.