cayenne pepper
cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum) is a plant. It grows best in full sun and has moderate water needs.
About cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is a perennial plant that grows 1 m tall. It grows fast. It is self-fertile, so you only need one. It can live for around 3 years.
The flowers attract pollinators. Birds eat the fruit and spread the seeds.
How to plant cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper does best in full sun. It grows in sandy soil, loam and clay, as long as the soil is well drained. It does best at a pH of 5.5–6.8. In a forest garden it belongs in the herb layer.
Plant plants 45 cm apart, at least 30 cm. It struggles in compacted soil, so keep the soil loose. It is well established after about a year.
A year with cayenne pepper
Spring. It comes into leaf in March–May. Plant out in April. Protect it from frost and cold in April.
Summer. It has white, purple and green flowers in June and July. Harden off young plants in June. Water during dry spells in June–September. Feed it in July–September. Use a balanced fertiliser. Harvest falls in August. The fruit can be eaten. Recorded from the source text, not a safety check. Confirm with a trusted guide before eating anything. Give it support in August–November.
Autumn. Harvest falls in October–January.
Winter. Start seeds indoors in February–April.
Pests and diseases
Cayenne pepper can be attacked by whiteflies, aphids, weevil (anthonomus eugenii), tobacco budworms and thrips. Diseases include phytophthora blight, anthracnose and phytophthora root and basal rot.
Companions and wildlife
cayenne pepperThe family
cayenne pepper is a variety of Pepper, in the genus Capsicum. Open a species to see what lies under it.
cayenne peppervar. acuminatumThis pageSources
Added to the wiki 12 October 2026
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