Cayenne peppers are long, slender hot chili peppers known for their fiery heat and bright red color. A staple in spicy cuisine and medicinal use, cayenne is easy to grow, highly productive, and ideal for drying, pickling, or making your own chili powder.

Quick Facts

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum

• Common name: Cayenne Pepper

• Plant type: Warm-season annual (perennial in frost-free zones)

• Scoville heat units (SHU): 30,000–50,000

• Days to maturity: 70–85 days from transplant

• Height: 18–24 inches

• Sun exposure: Full sun

• Hardiness zones: USDA 9–11 (grow as annual in zones 2–8)

• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart

When to Plant

• Indoors: Start seeds 8–10 weeks before last frost.

• Outdoors: Transplant only after nighttime temps stay above 55°F (13°C).

• Germination time: 7–14 days at 75–85°F (24–29°C) — use heat mat if possible.

How to Plant

1. Soil preparation: Rich, well-drained soil with compost or aged manure. Ideal pH: 6.2–7.0.

2. Sowing depth: 1/4 inch deep.

3. Transplanting: Harden off seedlings before moving to garden.

4. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

5. Fertilizing: Use balanced fertilizer early; switch to low-nitrogen when flowering.

Growing Tips

• Cayenne thrives in heat — choose the sunniest part of your garden.

• Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Stake or cage if fruits weigh down the branches.

• Remove first few flowers to encourage stronger root growth and bigger yields.

Harvesting

• Peppers are ready when they reach 4–6 inches long and turn bright red.

• Cut with scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plant.

• Can be harvested green, but flavor and heat peak when fully red.

Storage & Use

• Fresh peppers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

• Dry whole or sliced cayennes for long-term use; grind into homemade chili powder or flakes.

• Ideal for: hot sauces, salsas, stir-fries, pickling, and drying.

Companion Plants

Good companions include basil, onions, carrots, and marigolds. Avoid planting near beans or fennel.

Why Grow Cayenne Peppers?

Cayenne peppers are one of the most versatile hot peppers — perfect for fresh use or long-term preservation. They grow well in containers or garden beds, produce abundantly, and bring bold heat and flavor to any kitchen.