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Capsicum annuum 'Cayenne'
cayenne pepper
Open-pollinated cultivar; the species C. annuum is native to Central America (Mexico, Guatemala)
Overview
Capsicum annuum 'Cayenne' is cayenne pepper (red cayenne), an annual growing 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 15-18 inches (38-45 cm) wide. Slender tapered pendant peppers 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) diameter. Ripen from green to deep red. 30,000-50,000 Scoville units (hot — the standard hot pepper for drying and powdering into cayenne spice). The thin walls dry rapidly — the primary drying pepper worldwide. White star-shaped 5-petaled flowers. Dark green smooth lanceolate foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae spp.). Open-pollinated — seed can be saved. Handle with gloves — capsaicin causes skin and eye irritation. The long season requirement (70-85 days from transplant plus 8 weeks indoor start totaling 130+ days) is a limitation for short-season climates. Fruit production slows above 90°F (32°C). Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost — transplant only. Non-toxic (edible crop). Deer-resistant (capsaicin deters browsing). Full sun. Tender annual — killed by first frost. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Open-pollinated cultivar. The species C. annuum is native to Central America (Mexico, Guatemala).Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). The standard drying pepper — thin walls dry rapidly. 30,000-50,000 Scoville. Open-pollinated. Handle with gloves. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'3" - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, star-shaped, 5-petaled, 0.5 inch (12 mm)Foliage Description
Dark green, smooth lanceolate to ovate, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 8 weeks early — transplant only. Stake or cage as fruit loads branches. Pick regularly. Handle with gloves — 30,000-50,000 Scoville. Fruit production slows above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). Open-pollinated — save seeds. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.Pruning
Pick fruit regularly to encourage continued production. Harvest at 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) when deep red for full heat. Remove lower leaves touching soil. No heavy pruning needed. Handle with gloves.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
8 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Not recommended — requires a long warm season; transplant only
Days to Maturity
70–85 days
Plant Spacing
18 inches