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Serrano 'Tampiqueno'

Capsicum annuum 'Tampiqueno'

A fiery favorite that packs serious heat into a small package, delivering 2-5 times the punch of a jalapeño with incredible productivity throughout the growing season. These slender peppers are essential for authentic Mexican salsas and hot sauces, offering a clean, bright heat that doesn't overpower the fresh pepper flavor. One plant produces hundreds of peppers, making it a must-have for hot pepper enthusiasts.

Harvest

75-85d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Blossom-End Rot of Tomato

☀️

Zones

4–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Serrano 'Tampiqueno' in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 pepper →

Zone Map

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Serrano 'Tampiqueno' · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained, sandy loam with good fertility

pH6.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week, consistent moisture

SeasonWarm season

FlavorVery hot (10,000-25,000 Scoville) with bright, clean heat and fresh pepper flavor

ColorBright green, ripening to red

Size1-2 inches long, 0.5 inches wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – April	June – July	—	September – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	—	August – October
Zone 5	March – March	May – June	—	August – October
Zone 6	March – March	May – June	—	August – October
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
Zone 8	February – February	April – May	—	July – September
Zone 9	January – January	March – April	—	June – August
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	—	May – July

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Water: KAP-sih-kum AN-yoo-um. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 8 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits are a non-pulpy berry and vary considerably across cultivars. Some are long, thin, bright red, and spicy; others are thick, large, and sweet-tasting; others still are small and in ornamental shapes and colors, grown as decoration.

Color: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried, Showy

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Serrano 'Tampiqueno' peppers store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer, where they'll maintain quality for 1-2 weeks. Don't wash until ready to use, as excess moisture promotes decay. For counter storage, use within 3-4 days at room temperature.

For long-term preservation, these peppers excel at drying due to their relatively thin walls. String whole peppers on thread and hang in a warm, dry area with good air circulation, or use a dehydrator at 125°F until brittle. Properly dried serranos retain their heat for years when stored in airtight containers.

Freeze whole peppers in ziplock bags for up to 6 months – they'll lose their crisp texture but maintain full heat and flavor for cooking. For fermented hot sauces, combine fresh peppers with salt and allow natural fermentation, a traditional Mexican preservation method that intensifies their complex flavor profile while adding beneficial probiotics.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical North and South America

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Heat
+Attracts: Songbirds
+Wildlife value: Birds are immune to the capsaicin in peppers and can safely eat the fruits with no ill effects. Therefore, these plants may attract birds. Host plant for Potato Tuber Moth.
+Edible: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially enhancing pepper flavor

Marigold

Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps

Tomato

Similar growing requirements and can share support structures

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

Chives

Repels aphids and may improve pepper growth through root interactions

Oregano

Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Carrots

Deep roots improve soil aeration without competing for nutrients

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that severely stunts pepper growth and development

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit pepper germination and growth

Brassicas

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may stunt pepper development

Nutrition Facts

Calories

32kcal(2%)

Protein

1.74g(3%)

Fiber

3.7g(13%)

Carbs

6.7g(2%)

Fat

0.44g(1%)

Vitamin C

44.9mg(50%)

Vitamin A

47mcg(5%)

Vitamin K

11.8mcg(10%)

Iron

0.86mg(5%)

Calcium

11mg(1%)

Potassium

305mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169395)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good overall disease resistance, tolerant of bacterial spot

Common Pests

Aphids, thrips, pepper maggot, spider mites

Diseases

Bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, cucumber mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot is Serrano 'Tampiqueno' compared to jalapeño?▼

Serrano 'Tampiqueno' peppers are significantly hotter than jalapeños, rating 10,000-25,000 Scoville Heat Units compared to jalapeños' 2,500-8,000 SHU. This makes them 2-5 times hotter with a clean, bright heat that doesn't mask the pepper's fresh flavor, making them ideal for authentic Mexican salsas where you want serious heat with vegetable taste.

Can you grow Serrano 'Tampiqueno' in containers?▼

Yes, Serrano 'Tampiqueno' grows excellently in containers. Use at least a 5-gallon pot with drainage holes, as these plants can reach 3-4 feet tall with heavy fruit production. Container growing actually offers better soil drainage control, which these peppers prefer. Place containers in full sun and water more frequently than ground-planted peppers, as containers dry out faster.

When should I plant Serrano 'Tampiqueno' seeds?▼

Start Serrano 'Tampiqueno' seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Seeds need warm soil (75-80°F) to germinate properly. In most areas, this means starting seeds in late February to early March for transplanting outdoors in late May when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55°F.

How long does Serrano 'Tampiqueno' take to produce peppers?▼

Serrano 'Tampiqueno' produces harvestable peppers in 75-85 days from transplant, not from seed starting. From seed to harvest, expect approximately 120-130 days total. The plants continue producing heavily until the first frost, with peak production occurring during the hottest months when many other vegetables struggle.

Is Serrano 'Tampiqueno' good for beginners?▼

Yes, Serrano 'Tampiqueno' is excellent for beginners due to its outstanding disease resistance, reliable productivity, and forgiving nature. The main challenges are providing adequate heat and staking the heavily loaded plants. As long as you can grow tomatoes successfully, you can grow these peppers. Just remember to wear gloves when harvesting!

What's the difference between Serrano 'Tampiqueno' and regular serrano peppers?▼

Serrano 'Tampiqueno' is a specific heirloom strain with superior disease resistance, more consistent fruit size, and enhanced productivity compared to generic serrano varieties. It maintains the traditional flavor profile and heat level but offers better garden performance and genetic stability since it's been selected over generations for superior characteristics in its native region.