Serrano Purple

Pepper

Zone 5b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Serrano Purple

🌱 75d to harvest Bush

Aromatic and vivid, Serrano Purple brings a rare, smoky-sweet heat with peppers that ripen to a deep, wine-purple glow. The fruit…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 9th
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 29th
Harvest Begins	Sep 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Red Wethersfield Onion

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Prospera Basil

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Capsicum annuum (Serrano-type peppers), and how can I control it?

Pepper plants (Capsicum annuum) commonly get aphids and can also develop fungal leaf spots in humid conditions. Spray affected plants with insecticidal soap when you first see clusters of aphids, and remove heavily spotted leaves to improve airflow. If leaf spot is spreading, use a labeled fungicide and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.

How often should I water Serrano peppers during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During active growth and fruiting, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and increase frequency during hot spells so plants don’t wilt and drop flowers. Mulching helps maintain even moisture around the roots, which reduces stress and blossom drop.

How can I tell when Serrano Purple peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the peppers reach full size and the skin has turned the mature purple color (typically around 75 days from transplant for this pepper type). Pick peppers with firm walls—if they feel soft or thin, they’re usually not fully developed yet. You can harvest earlier for smaller green-purple fruit, but for best flavor and size, wait for full maturity color and firmness.

Aromatic and vivid, Serrano Purple brings a rare, smoky-sweet heat with peppers that ripen to a deep, wine-purple glow. The fruits are slender and upright, with a crisp, snappy skin and a bright, peppery bite that lingers pleasantly. Grow Serrano Purple for bold fresh salsas, quick pickling, and roasting on the grill—its striking color and lively heat make every batch look as good as it tastes.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start seeds early, but don’t transplant until nights are consistently warm and soil is at least 60°F to prevent cold-stress stunting.