Chili pepper 'Serrano'

Capsicum annuum longum group

How to grow Chili pepper 'Serrano'

  • Full Sun

  • Medium

Some varieties may need to be supported with a cane as the fruit develops.

Plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Serrano is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside. Serrano needs a loamy and sandy soil with a ph of 7.0 to 8.5 (neutral soil to weakly alkaline soil).

Growing Serrano from seed

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 1.95 inches (5.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 18°C / 64°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Serrano about 38 days before your last frost date.

Transplanting Serrano

Transplant out when all danger of frost has passed.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Serrano is a tender plant.

Harvesting Serrano

How can I tell if my serrano chilis are ripe and ready to pick?
Serranos will turn red, orange, yellow or brown when ripe, although they can also be eaten when green.

This variety tends to be ready for harvesting by late summer.

Chili pepper Serrano Etymology

The name of the pepper is a reference to the mountains of the regions of Mexican states of Puebla and Hidalgo – in english “serrano” means highlands.

Serrano folklore & trivia

When pickled they are known as a sport pepper.1

Footnotes