The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
The flavorfulserrano pepperhas a decent kick but is not ridiculously spicy.
The fruits are around 3 to 4 inches long.
Night temperatures should be reliably above 50 degrees.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Selecting a Planting Site
Pick a sunny garden spot with rich soil that has good drainage.
Container growth is also an option, but choose a container that’s 3 to 5 gallons.
Moreover, choosing properplant companionsin the garden is good for peppers.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Peppers don’t do well planted near fennel or kohlrabi.
You might want to stake your plants, as they stems can be fragile when heavy with fruit.
At least six hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Soil
These peppers need an organically rich, well-draining soil.
A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
Adding about an inch ofcompostat the time of planting is key for creating the fertile soil they love.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Water
Soil thats consistently moist but never soggy is ideal for growing serrano peppers.
Also, water at the base of the plants instead of from above to help prevent disease.
Temperature and Humidity
Serrano peppers do best in a warm, humid environment.
They are frost-sensitive and are often grown asannualsoutside of their native tropical climate.
Temperatures around 75 degrees are optimal.
In warmer weather, check regularly to ensure they are getting enough water.
When temperatures reach above 90 degrees, peppers may stop producing during extreme heat.
Fertilizer
These plants are heavy feeders.
Fertilize at the time of planting and then throughout the growing season.
Use abalanced vegetable fertilizer, following label instructions.
Pollination
Pepper plants are self-pollinating with the help of wind and animals.
you’re free to also gently shake your plants to aid in pollination.
And being closely related, they are often mistaken for one another.
They are quite similar in appearance and flavor.
However, serranos are slightly smaller and pack more heat than jalapenos.
Wait until the peppers have reached their mature size for the best flavor.
Use shears to cut them off the vine rather than pulling them to avoid injuring the tender stems.
Wear gloves when handling the plants and avoid touching your face to protect your skin from the capsaicin.
The peppers also freeze well.
A 3- to 5-gallon container is ideal.
A plant will survive in something slightly smaller, but its output will likely be diminished.
check that the container has ample drainage holes.
Unglazed clay is a good material to allow excess soil moisture to escape through its walls.
Propagating Serrano Peppers
Seeds or nursery starts are the most common way to grow serranos.
But its also possible to propagate them via cuttings.
One thats formulated for vegetables is often sufficient.
Water well after potting.
Keep your plant by the brightest window you have, preferably a south-facing one.
Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
Also, be sure to protect the plant from drafts and drying air from heating vents.
you’re free to attempt to prevent it from occurring in the first place by practicing crop rotation.
Serrano peppers are fairly easy to grow as long as they get enough sunlight, moisture, and nutrients.
Serrano peppers will typically be ready to harvest within three months of planting.
In hot climates, serranos are perennial.
Some Like it Hot.Cornell Botanic Gardens.
Pepper.Clemson University Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center.
Pathogen:Verticillium dahliae.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
