Description
The "Serrano" cultivar of Chilli (Capsicum sp.) is a garden standout, prized for its slender, glossy green-to-red fruits that boast a crisp bite and a notable heat. Typically smaller and somewhat hotter than the jalapeño, this pepper offers a fresh, bright flavour that can add zing to any dish. The white flowers that precede the spicy harvest emerge around Birak (early summer).
Ideal for in-ground planting, pots, or nestled within vege/herb gardens, the "Serrano" favours well-draining soil. In sandy terrains, enriching with a soil conditioner proves beneficial. When Djilba (early spring) rolls around, a sprinkle of general-purpose fertiliser ensures robust growth. Awaiting harvest is brief, generally around 75-80 days post-planting, revealing peppers that register between 10,000 to 23,000 SHU. While they're spicy, they remain well under the cautionary limit for extremely hot peppers.
| Botanical Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Common Name | Chilli Pepper |
| Cultivar | Serrano |
|
Classification |
Fruiting and Edible |
| PBR Name | |
| Origin | North, Central, South America |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Height | Chilli plants generally grow 60 cm - 1 M |
| Width | Chilli plants generally grow 60 cm - 1 M |
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-draining, good quality soil is important for good fruit-set. |
| Water Requirement | Though Chilli plants are tolerant of low water, they will fruit better with regular water in warm weather. Reducing watering when fruit is ripening can increase heat levels in the fruit. |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Flower Time | Depending on when the plant is germinated. Generally flowers from Birak (early summer) to Djeran (autumn) |
| Toxicity | Chilli plants contain Capsaicin, the higher the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) score, the more capsaicin the plant contains. Capsaicin is toxic to most animals if ingested. Humans can tolerate capsaicin, however it can be toxic at high enough levels, so caution must be taken when ingesting chillis. Capsaicin is also harmful to sensitive areas of the skin in humans and animals. Special care should be taken to avoid the eyes, nasal passage and groin in particular. |
Disclaimer:
Information is intended as a guide only.
Unless otherwise stated, all images are examples only and not photos of the actual plants for sale.
Licensed images are used with permission of the license holder.
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.