How to prune 'shishito' pepper

When seedlings reach 20–25 cm; remove early flower buds before the plant is established. Pinch the terminal bud above a node with your fingers or clean scissors. Thin any dense interior growth to allow light penetration. Deadheading spent flowers is not necessary — fruits will set naturally.

Once at establishment; light thinning as needed during the season. Shishito pepper responds well to early pinching to build a bushy, productive plant. Pinch the growing tip when 20–25 cm tall to encourage branching. Remove the first flower buds to direct energy into the plant structure. Beyond that, light thinning of crowded stems improves airflow and fruit set.

Pinch the terminal bud above a node with your fingers or clean scissors. Thin any dense interior growth to allow light penetration. Deadheading spent flowers is not necessary — fruits will set naturally.