How to Grow Cayenne Pepper From Seed

How long does cayenne take to mature?

Cayenne pods take about 70 to 80 days from transplant to turn from green to their signature bright red. For drying and grinding into powder, let the pods ripen fully red on the plant before you pick them.

How hot is a cayenne pepper?

Cayenne is hot, roughly 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units, well above a jalapeno or serrano. It brings a sharp, lingering heat that is why it is the classic pepper for hot sauces and dried cayenne powder.

How do I dry cayenne peppers for powder?

Harvest fully red pods and dry them whole in a dehydrator, a low oven, or by stringing them on a thread in a warm, airy spot until brittle. Once fully dry, grind them into homemade cayenne powder or crushed red pepper flakes.

How big does a cayenne plant get?

Cayenne plants grow bushy and productive, usually 24 to 36 inches tall, and load up with dozens of long, thin pods. Stake or cage them, because the sheer number of pods can weigh the branches down late in the season.