A crisp, bright Mexican chilli with clean, sharp heat, eaten fresh in salsas. Slim green fruit ripen to red on a tidy, productive bush.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 80 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Chilli 'Serrano'
Botanically, Capsicum annuum 'Serrano' is a moderate-growing edible plant in the Solanaceae family. It reaches around 80 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Chilli 'Serrano'
Chilli 'Serrano' suits warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Chilli 'Serrano' does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Chilli 'Serrano' does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Chilli 'Serrano' in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Chilli 'Serrano' in the garden
Chilli 'Serrano' earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Chilli 'Serrano' with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Chilli 'Serrano'
Plant Sale lists Chilli 'Serrano' as seed and seedlings. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Chilli 'Serrano' seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
