Hot Pepper Seeds,
Serrano Tampiqueño

Start Serrano Tampiqueno seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant outdoors two to three weeks after the last frost, once night temperatures stay above 55 F and the soil has warmed; peppers sulk in cold soil. Check your local frost dates to plan for an optimal growing season in your region. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

To sow Serrano seeds, plant them about 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays or small pots. These peppers germinate best at soil temperatures between 80-85 F, so a heating mat can be helpful to maintain warmth. Before transplanting outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over the course of a week. Space plants 14-18 inches apart.

Serrano Tampiqueño peppers need full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily. They perform well in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, avoiding waterlogging. Fertilize at planting with a balanced fertilizer, and switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer during flowering to encourage fruit production. These plants are sturdy and generally do not require staking, though adding light support may help once they begin to bear fruit.

• Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
• To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
• To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
• It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
• Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
• Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.