Cayenne Pepper
Capsicum annuum — 30,000–50,000 SHU
Cayenne is the classic kitchen chilli — the pepper behind cayenne powder, hot sauce, and countless spice blends. It's one of the most productive home-grow peppers, producing dozens of long, thin red fruits that dry beautifully and add sharp, clean heat to any dish. Fast-maturing and easy to grow, it's a great choice for both beginners and experienced growers.
🔥 Heat Scale
🌱 How to Grow Cayenne Peppers
6–8 hours minimum. Cayennes are prolific in full sun — more light means more fruit and faster ripening to red.
Ideal 20–30°C. More tolerant of moderate temperatures than superhots, but still need warm nights to ripen fully.
Keep consistently moist. Cayennes are productive and thirsty plants — container plants may need watering daily in hot weather.
10–15L pot works well. Cayennes are relatively compact and high-yielding — great value for the space they take up.
High-potassium tomato feed from first flower. Cayennes set fruit prolifically and need regular feeding to sustain the crop.
Harvest red for maximum heat and flavour, then dry or use fresh. Dried and ground Cayenne is one of the most versatile kitchen spices.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Cool nights, low light, or excess nitrogen keeping plant vegetative
Fix: Maximise sun, switch to potassium feed, keep nights warm
Cause: Overwatering, heat stress above 35°C, or nutrient imbalance
Fix: Check drainage, shade during peak heat, ensure potassium levels are adequate
Cause: Overwatering or nitrogen deficiency in heavy-cropping plants
Fix: Reduce watering frequency, add a balanced liquid feed
Cause: Common on tender new growth
Fix: Neem oil spray, water jet, or introduce natural predators outdoors
❓ Common Questions
How hot is a Cayenne pepper?
30,000–50,000 SHU — significantly hotter than a Jalapeño, with clean, sharp heat that builds quickly. Much more manageable than Habanero or superhot varieties.
How do I dry Cayenne peppers?
Thread on string and hang in a warm, ventilated spot for 2–3 weeks, or dry in an oven at 60°C for 6–8 hours. Once dry, grind into powder or store whole for up to a year.
When should I harvest Cayennes?
Harvest red for maximum flavour and heat. Green Cayennes are usable but less flavourful. The longer you leave them to ripen fully, the better the spice.
How many Cayennes will one plant produce?
A well-fed, healthy Cayenne plant can produce 50–100+ fruits per season. They're one of the most productive chilli varieties you can grow at home.
