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When to Plant Serrano Pepper in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Monday, March 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Monday, June 15, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

Pro tip: Start Serrano Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, June 15, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Capsicum annuum
Days to Maturity 80 days
Mature Height 24-36"
Spread 18"
Type Bush
Fruit Size Small (1-2 inches)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Serrano Pepper in Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, March 23, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BasilCarrotTomato

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Serrano Pepper

See which plants help Serrano Pepper thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow peppers to fully ripen red on the plant.

Processing

Remove seeds carefully — serrano is quite hot. Dry flat for 1–2 weeks. Gloves recommended.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

C. annuum — crosses freely with other annuum peppers. Isolate by 300 feet for pure seed.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Serrano Pepper. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Serrano Pepper in Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), start Serrano Pepper seeds indoors around Monday, March 23, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, June 15, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Serrano Pepper take to grow? +

Serrano Pepper typically matures in about 80 days from transplanting. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, June 15, 2026 plus 80 days.

Should I start Serrano Pepper indoors or direct sow in Alaska? +

Serrano Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Fairbanks, that means starting around Monday, March 23, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Serrano Pepper in Zone 2a

Serrano Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, March 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Plan to transplant your Serrano Pepper seedlings outdoors around Monday, June 15, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.