{"id":482,"date":"2023-01-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-28T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=482"},"modified":"2023-06-27T13:48:00","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T20:48:00","slug":"how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Cayenne Peppers &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Cayenne-Peppers.png\" alt=\"cayenne peppers plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nCayenne peppers, which are known botanically as Capsicum Annuum, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing cayenne peppers as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Cayenne_Peppers\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Cayenne Peppers\">Best Time to Plant Cayenne Peppers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#How_to_Plant_Cayenne_Peppers_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Cayenne Peppers the Right Way\">How to Plant Cayenne Peppers the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Cayenne_Peppers\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Cayenne Peppers\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Cayenne Peppers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#How_Much_to_Water_Cayenne_Peppers\" title=\"How Much to Water Cayenne Peppers\">How Much to Water Cayenne Peppers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Cayenne_Peppers_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Cayenne Peppers to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Cayenne Peppers to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#When_to_Harvest_Cayenne_Peppers\" title=\"When to Harvest Cayenne Peppers\">When to Harvest Cayenne Peppers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#What_Can_Cayenne_Peppers_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Cayenne Peppers Be Used For?\">What Can Cayenne Peppers Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#Can_Cayenne_Peppers_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Cayenne Peppers Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Cayenne Peppers Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cayenne-peppers\/#Are_Cayenne_Peppers_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Cayenne Peppers Safe for Bees?\">Are Cayenne Peppers Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Cayenne_Peppers\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Cayenne Peppers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the cayenne pepper seeds in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when cayenne peppers are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Cayenne_Peppers_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Cayenne Peppers the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing cayenne peppers in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your cayenne peppers grow. Generally, your soil should be moist yet free-draining sandy or loamy soil. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.5 to 7.<\/p>\n<p>roughly 9&#8243; apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 12&#8243; apart. \u00a018&#8243; apart in rows, keeping rows of seeds approximately 2.5&#8242; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about \u00a0.25&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your cayenne pepper seedlings plant 2 seeds every 18&#8243;. thin or transplant to 1 plant every 18&#8243; when seedlings are 3&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Cayenne_Peppers\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Cayenne Peppers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your cayenne peppers. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your cayenne peppers should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Cayenne_Peppers\"><\/span>How Much to Water Cayenne Peppers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your cayenne peppers do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your cayenne peppers begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Cayenne_Peppers_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Cayenne Peppers to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your cayenne peppers grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 10-12 days to germinate, and a total of Cayenne Peppers reach maturity in roughly 72 days. from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Cayenne_Peppers\"><\/span>When to Harvest Cayenne Peppers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your cayenne peppers is when the skins are somewhat waxy in appearance, and the flesh is firm.<\/p>\n<p>Cayenne peppers can grow up to about 10 to 25 centimetres (4 to 10 in) long.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Cayenne_Peppers_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Cayenne Peppers Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> Use as a seasoning, fresh or dried, to add heat to your dish.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> \u00a0Fiery hot!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Cayenne_Peppers_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Cayenne Peppers Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you will ideally need a  12&#8243;+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your cayenne peppers around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Cayenne_Peppers_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Cayenne Peppers Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, cayenne peppers are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing cayenne peppers is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cayenne peppers, which are known botanically as Capsicum Annuum, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing cayenne peppers as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Cayenne Peppers This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the cayenne pepper seeds in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when cayenne peppers are most likely to <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":884,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,18],"tags":[96,22],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=482"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":885,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482\/revisions\/885"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}