Description
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
Spacing: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Depth: 1/4 inch (0.6 cm)
Sun & Soil Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours per day) and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0.
Indoors: Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost date.
Outdoors: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost date, once soil temperatures have warmed up to at least 60°F (16°C).
Germination Time: 8-14 days at a soil temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Companion Planting: Good companions include basil, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, oregano, and tomatoes. Avoid planting near fennel or kohlrabi.
Watering Requirements: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Fertilizer Requirements: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season.
Pests: Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Timing: Plant outdoors after the last expected frost date.
Growing: Hot Red Serrano peppers are compact, bushy plants that grow to about 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall and wide. Pinch off the tips of the plant when they reach 6 inches (15 cm) tall to encourage bushier growth. Harvest peppers when they are red and fully ripe.
Harvest Tips: Harvest peppers when they are red and fully ripe. Cut the peppers from the plant with a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Season Tolerance: Hot Red Serrano peppers are heat-tolerant and can be grown throughout the summer in hot, sunny locations.
