Padrón
Capsicum annuum
Also known asPimientos de Padrón · Padrón pepper · Pemento de Padrón (Galician)
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–12 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.4 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, calcium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A compact, prolific pepper for hydroponic tapas enthusiasts. EC 2.0-2.8 mS/cm. pH 5.8-6.5. Temperature: 18–28°C. Moderate to high light (DLI 16-22 mol/m2/day). Plants are compact (30–50 cm) and bushy, well-suited to small hydroponic systems. From transplant to first harvest: 55-65 days. Harvest peppers small (4–6 cm) for the classic blistered-pepper preparation; larger, more mature peppers are more likely to be hot. Each plant produces 30-50+ peppers over a season. The blistered-pepper preparation: heat a heavy pan or cast iron skillet until smoking, add olive oil, add whole peppers in a single layer, cook without moving until one side blisters and chars (2-3 minutes), flip once, remove when blistered on both sides, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Eat whole, stem and all (the stem is tender and edible when young). Serve immediately. This is one of the fastest paths from harvest to plate of any crop. A fun, conversation-starting crop for home growers who cook Spanish food or enjoy bar-style tapas.