Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Cayenne Pepper — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Capsicum annuum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 8–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 23.9–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 70–80 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 35.6–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 35.6–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in warm starting mix, maintaining soil temperature above 75°F for prompt sprouting. Set transplants out once the garden is fully warm and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer once plants begin flowering. Thin-walled cayenne fruits dry exceptionally well; allow them to redden fully on the plant before harvesting for drying. String harvested peppers in a warm, airy location or use a dehydrator to preserve them.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0