Cayenne Pepper Seeds - Capsicum annuum

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (Grown as a warm-season annual)

USDA Zones 3-11 - Grows as a heat-loving annual in all of these zones. It can be overwintered as a short-lived perennial in the frost-free parts of zones 9b-11.

Best Performance in Zones 6-10 where the growing season is long and hot, providing the ideal conditions for the plants to reach full size and produce a heavy yield of fully ripened peppers.

Northern Zones (3-5) - Starting seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost is mandatory. Use season-extending techniques like black plastic mulch to warm the soil and row covers to protect young plants. Choose the sunniest, warmest, most protected spot in your garden.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Plant outdoors in early spring after all danger of frost has passed for a massive summer-to-fall harvest. During peak summer temperatures (over 95F), providing some light afternoon shade can prevent sunscald on fruits and reduce plant stress. Plants can often be pruned back and overwintered in frost-free areas.

Soil Temperature - Critical for germination. Seeds require very warm soil to sprout, with a minimum temperature of 70F (21C). For best and fastest results, maintain an optimal soil temperature of 80-90F (27-32C) using a seedling heat mat.

Growing Season - Requires a long, warm season of at least 120 frost-free days to go from seed to a full harvest. Peppers are typically ready to harvest about 70-80 days after being transplanted into the garden.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Cayenne peppers need heat to thrive, especially when germinating. Starting seeds indoors is essential in all but the very hottest climates.

1. Starting Seeds Indoors (Highly Recommended):

Timing: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. This gives the plants plenty of time to mature before being moved outside.

Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in a high-quality, moist seed-starting mix. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot or cell.

Heat is KEY: This is the most important step! Pepper seeds will not germinate in cool soil. Place your seed tray in a very warm spot or, for best results, use a seedling heat mat to keep the soil temperature consistently between 80-90F (27-32C).

Germination: Keep the soil consistently moist. Germination can be slow, taking anywhere from 7 to 21 days. Be patient! Once seedlings sprout, remove them from the heat mat and place them under strong grow lights or in a very sunny south-facing window.

2. Transplanting Outdoors:

Hardening Off: About 1-2 weeks before transplanting, you must acclimate your seedlings to the outdoors. Gradually expose them to direct sunlight and wind, starting with just an hour a day and increasing the duration over the week.

Timing: Do NOT rush to plant peppers outside. Wait until the weather is thoroughly settled and warm. Transplant only when daytime temperatures are consistently in the 70s, nighttime temperatures stay above 55F (13C), and the soil temperature is at least 65F (18C).

Planting: Choose the sunniest spot in your garden (8+ hours of direct sun). Work compost or other rich organic matter into the soil. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Plant them slightly deeper than they were in their pots to encourage a strong root system. Water thoroughly after planting.

3. Ongoing Care:

Watering: Water deeply and consistently, aiming for about 1-2 inches per week. Irregular watering can lead to stress and blossom drop. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilizing: When plants begin to flower, use a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium (like a tomato fertilizer) to encourage more peppers instead of just leafy growth.

Support: As the plants grow heavy with peppers, they may lean or break. Use a small stake or cage to provide support.

Harvesting: Peppers can be harvested when green, but they develop their full heat and flavor when they ripen to a vibrant red. Harvest by cutting the stem with pruners or scissors, as pulling can damage the plant. The more you harvest, the more the plant will produce! Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.