Photo: "D7K_2691-1" by Mark Levisay · CC BY 2.0

Pepper · Hot-medium

Serrano Peppers

Open-pollinated · Solanaceae

Named for the mountain ridges ('sierras') of Puebla and Hidalgo, Mexico. THE traditional salsa pepper — thin walls mean no roasting or peeling needed, just mince and use. 3-5× jalapeño heat. Extremely prolific (50+ per plant). Small fruit (1-3 inches). Open-pollinated.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

70–80 days

Sun

6+ hours

8+ hours

Spacing

14–18 "

Seed Start

8–10 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

3+ gallon pot

Height

2–3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–21 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F

Harden Off 10 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–2 "

Needs Consistent-moderate

Method Drip or base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Soil Type Well-draining, fertile

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Very-low Drought: Medium

Common Problems

blossom-drop

Cause: Standard pepper thresholds.

Prevention: Standard management.

aphids

Cause: Common on all peppers. Vector for mosaic viruses.

Prevention: Water blast, insecticidal soap, ladybugs.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Recommended Recipes Root drench, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Green: 1-3 inches, firm, glossy green. Can harvest at 1.5 inches for milder. Full size 2-3 inches for max heat.

Expected Yield 2–4 lbs/plant

Storage 14 days — Crisper drawer. 1-3 weeks green.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Genovese basil Repels aphids

French marigold Repels nematodes

Avoid Planting Near

Herb fennel Inhibits most plants

Sources

reference PepperScale reference NMSU Chile Pepper Institute university Cornell Extension

More Peppers

Serrano Peppers Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Serrano Peppers vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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