PJ's Serrano Pepper Plants

Serrano peppers are a classic Mexican variety known for their bright flavor, higher heat, and excellent productivity. Similar in appearance to jalapeños but smaller and noticeably hotter, Serranos are a go-to pepper for authentic salsas and fresh dishes.

Grown hydroponically in a controlled environment, our Serrano pepper plants arrive healthy, pest-free, and ready to establish once transplanted.

What You’ll Receive

• Serrano pepper plant hydroponically grown in rockwool (no soil)

• Plant height at shipping: Approx. 4” tall

• Actively growing with a strong, well-developed root system

• Care instructions included

• Bonus: 4-pack orders include a FREE sample compost tea fertilizer

Because our plants are grown hydroponically, they will require an adjustment period and it will take a few weeks for them to acclimate when transplanted into soil or containers. To learn more about our methods and to ensure success, review the sections below Our Live Plant Growing & Shipping Process and When Your Live Pepper Plants Arrive.

About the Serrano Pepper

The Serrano is a Capsicum annuum variety native to Mexico, prized for its clean heat and fresh pepper flavor. Plants are highly productive and can grow up to 5 feet tall, producing 50 or more peppers per plant.

Peppers typically grow 1–4 inches long and can be harvested green or allowed to ripen to red, offering slightly sweeter notes at full maturity. Serranos are significantly hotter than jalapeños, making them ideal for dishes where heat and flavor both matter.

• Heat Level: Medium hot (typically 10,000–25,000 Scoville Heat Units)

• Flavor: Bright, fresh, and spicy

• Pepper Appearance: Slender green peppers that ripen red

• Culinary Use: Salsas, pico de gallo, sauces, cooking, and fresh use

Growing & Care Information

• Grower Experience Level: Intermediate

• Growth Habit: Tall, vigorous, and highly productive plant

• Mature Plant Size: Up to 5 feet tall

• Pepper Pod Size: Typically 1–4 inches long

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 70–85 days from transplant

• Ways to Grow: In-ground garden beds, raised beds, and large containers with proper drainage

If you’d prefer to start from seed, we also offer Serrano pepper seeds and seed starting supplies, a great option for growers who enjoy raising plants from the very beginning or planning ahead for future seasons.

Our Live Plant Growing & Shipping Process

At Pepper Joe's, our live pepper plants are grown with care from the very beginning to ensure customers receive strong, healthy plants ready to thrive.

All of our pepper plants are greenhouse grown hydroponically in rockwool, allowing for consistent nutrition, controlled growing conditions, and strong root development. Many varieties are started as early as December, giving plants ample time to mature before shipping season begins in April.

Each plant is grown to approximately 4 inches before being prepared for shipment. Prior to shipping, every plant is individually inspected by a member of our greenhouse team to ensure it meets our quality standards.

Plants are shipped in a protective mini greenhouse made from recycled material, specially sourced to help safeguard live plants during transit. This packaging helps maintain plant structure and reduce stress while traveling to your door.

Want to learn more? Check out our FAQ page or, our blog on how we ship live pepper plants.

When Your Live Pepper Plants Arrive

Your live pepper plants are shipped in custom packaging to protect them during transit. Some mild wilting after shipping is normal and usually resolves quickly.

Upon arrival:

• Gently unbox your plant and inspect it.
  
• The roots are surrounded by rockwool—a lightweight, soil-free growing material that helps retain moisture and protect the roots. Do not remove the rockwool.
  
• If leaves appear wilted, water your plant immediately and allow up to 24 hours for recovery.
  

Transplanting:

• Plant the rockwool end 2–3 inches deep into well-draining potting soil using a container at least 1 gallon in size.
  
• Water thoroughly after planting and allow excess moisture to drain.
  

Before moving outdoors:

• Soil temperatures should be 65°F or warmer
  
• Nighttime temperatures should remain above 55°F
  
• No risk of frost
  

Once conditions are right, harden off your new plants gradually by introducing them to outdoor conditions over several days before full sun exposure.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions, visit our Pepper Plant Care page.

If you have any concerns, please reach out through our contact form and our team will be happy to help.

When will my pre-order live plant ship?

• Pre-order live plants begin shipping in April. Orders are fulfilled based on the shipping week you selected at checkout.
• Not sure which week you chose? Log in to your account (or create one using the same email) to view your order details.

Live Plants ship only to the contiguous U.S.