Serrano pepper
Capsicum annuum
Also known asSerrano chile · Chile serrano
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 5–12 (winter low around -29°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.4 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, calcium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A compact, prolific hydroponic pepper. EC 1.8-2.6 mS/cm. pH 6.0-6.8. Temperature: 18–30°C. High light (DLI 20-28 mol/m2/day). The small plant size suits DWC, NFT and countertop systems. From transplant to first harvest: 75-90 days. Each plant produces 50-80 or more small peppers over a season, among the highest-yielding pepper varieties by fruit count. Harvest green for fresh salsa. For pico de gallo, finely dice serrano (seeds in for more heat, out for milder) and mix with diced tomato, white onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt. The thin walls make serranos less prone to blossom end rot than thick-walled peppers, a practical high-yield choice for anyone who cooks Mexican food.