Serrano Peppers Not Hot

Question

Is there anything I can do to my serrano and jalapeno peppers so that they are hot. I have harvested many peppers this year and none of them are hot. I have them in a raised garden and they have been growing well. I am surprised that they are still flowering this late in the year.

Answer 1

Genetics, water and nutrients can all effect how spicy a pepper is. As you have 2 different varieties that are affected, then it is likely not genetics.

They may have been a bit too dry and that is why they are not as spicy. Oddly enough, part of the reason peppers produce capsicum is to help ward off fungus. Fungus is most likely to develop when the plant gets more water and so a chili pepper will produce more “heat” when they get more water.

Nutrients may also have played a role. The soil may be lacking some of the micro nutrients the plants need to make capsicum or the soil may be too rich, which causes the plant and its fruit to grow quickly and is not able to concentrate the capsicum in the fruit.