Mellow Star

Pepper

60d to harvest

Sweetly fragrant at first glance, Mellow Star shishito peppers unfold into a gentle, warming heat that blooms with a clean, green-snap flavor. At maturity, the slender pods are tender and pleasantly crisp, with a lightly wrinkled skin that roasts beautifully for smoky depth or shines fresh for quick, bright salsas and vibrant stir-ins. Grow Mellow Star for a long, steady harvest—each plant offering a constellation of starry, bite-size peppers that keep the flavor lively from garden to table.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 13a supports continuous outdoor production.

Milestone	Date
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Growing Approach	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Capsicum annuum (Shishito-type) peppers, and what should I do?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which commonly cluster on young Capsicum annuum growth and can stunt plants or spread viruses. Rinse plants with a strong stream of water, then spray insecticidal soap (especially under leaves) every 5–7 days until no new damage appears. If you see leaf yellowing with mottling or rapid wilting, remove affected plants to reduce spread and avoid replanting peppers in the same spot the next season.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase?

Water deeply to keep the root zone evenly moist, then allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again—typically about 1–2 times per week in warm weather, more often in containers. Consistent moisture matters most after flowering starts; irregular watering can cause blossom-end issues and tougher, less flavorful pods. Mulch around the plants to reduce swings in soil moisture, and avoid wetting the foliage late in the day to limit fungal leaf problems.

How can I tell when Mellow Star (Capsicum annuum) peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods reach the expected mature size for your plant and feel firm with a glossy skin; Shishito-type peppers are usually best while still tender and green rather than fully hardening. Depending on your conditions, this is often around 60 days from transplanting, and picking regularly encourages more fruit set. If you let them fully ripen to red/ripe color, the peppers become more mature and may be less tender than the classic shishito eating stage.