Serrano Hot Chili seeds
Spice lovers, get ready for the Serrano pepper! This vibrant chili hails from Mexico's mountainous regions, boasting a bright, fresh flavor with a heat level that builds. They're slender, slightly tapered, and pack a punch significantly hotter than the jalapeño. Serranos transform from a crisp green hue to vibrant reds, oranges, and even yellows at full maturity.
Serrano peppers deliver the perfect level of vibrant heat to salsas, sauces, and your favorite dishes. Enjoy them raw for a zesty crunch, grilled for a smoky depth, or pickled for a tangy twist. Easy to grow, one plant can produce a generous yield of these little firecrackers, making them a fantastic addition to any spicy food enthusiast's garden.
Seed count: 50
Botanic name:
Capsicum annuum
Plant spacing:
12-18"
Color:
Vibrant green when picked young, and a bright red when left to fully mature.
Sowing depth:
1/4"
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
The Serrano chili's versatility shines in the kitchen! Add a fresh, fiery kick to your favorite salsas and pico de gallo by dicing them finely. For a smoky, complex flavor, roast or grill Serranos before incorporating them into sauces or hot dishes. Want to preserve their heat? Pickle them for a delicious condiment to have on hand. Serrano chilis can even bring a surprising twist to sweet dishes - try a mango salsa with a touch of Serrano for a sweet and spicy delight!
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
80-90 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Chili verde, Balin, chico, tipico, or largo
Scoville Units:
10,000 to 23,000
Growing Instructions:
Indoor Seed Starting
Gather Your Supplies:
- High-quality seed starting mix
- Seed trays or small pots
- Chili and pepper seeds of your choice
- Germination mat or heat mat
- Grow lights (if natural light is insufficient)
- Labels and a pen for plant identification
Sow the Seeds:
Fill your trays or pots with damp seed starting mix.
Make small indentations about ¼ inch deep. Place a couple of seeds in each hole.
Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of mix and mist with water.
Provide Consistent Warmth:
This is the most important aspect! Chili and pepper seeds germinate best with soil temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Place your seed trays on the germination mat to maintain the optimal temperature.
Maintain Moisture:
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil.Consider placing a humidity dome or plastic wrap over the trays to retain moisture.
Provide Light:
Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of light.
If using grow lights, keep them a few inches above the seedlings, adjusting their height as they grow.
Outdoor Seed Starting:
Timing is Crucial:
Peppers and chilies thrive in warm weather. Start your seeds outdoors only after the last frost risk has passed, and soil temperatures remain consistently warm.
Prepare the Soil:
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden.
Amend the soil with compost to boost its fertility.
Direct Sow Your Seeds
Follow the seed packet instructions for spacing.
Sow the seeds at the recommended depth and cover them lightly with soil.Water them thoroughly.
Hardening Off (For Indoor-Started Plants):
Before transplanting indoor-started seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days.
Start by placing them in a sheltered spot with partial shade for a few hours daily. Gradually increase their exposure to direct sunlight and wind.
Additional Tips:
Spacing: Plant spacing will vary depending on the chili or pepper variety. Research the specific needs of your chosen varieties.
Drought Tolerance: While chili and pepper plants are relatively drought tolerant, they will perform best with regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Container Growing: Chili and pepper plants thrive in containers. Choose a pot that's appropriately sized for the mature plant.
