Planting and care
How to grow cayenne pepper
When to grow
Warm season · Annual
How to start
Usually transplant
Mature size
18–36 in
Time to harvest
About 60–100 days from transplant, cultivar-dependent
Feeding needs
Heavy feeder
Growth habit
Bush Fruiting
Harvest and kitchen use
Fresh, roasted, stuffed, pickled, dried or used in sauces depending heat/type
Nutrition and garden value
Excellent vitamin C source; colored fruits provide carotenoids
Compact, productive warm-season crop with long harvest window
Common challenges and troubleshooting
Aphids, bacterial spot, sunscald and slow growth in cool weather
Safety note
Hot varieties can irritate skin/eyes; use care when children handle very hot peppers