Hi Lisa, Welcome aboard. Serranos are usually used when green. Habaneros on the other hand are never picked until they ripen to orange, yellow, brown, red or just about any color except green. Good luck with your gardening! > first i planted serranos, and became intrigued > > then habaneros, and grew to excited/intrigued > > now am tearing things up this weekend to make room for more chiles, > after some more poking around at what i'd like to have. > > SO, the serranos are coming along nicely...how do I know WHEN to pick > them. just when they turn red,...or...? Dave Anderson Tough Love Chile Co. Http://www.tough-love.com