How to Grow Cayenne Pepper

Start Cayenne Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Cayenne Pepper typically matures in about 75 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Cayenne Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Cayenne Pepper requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.

Space Cayenne Pepper plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Cayenne Pepper has moderate water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Cayenne Pepper is rated moderate. Let peppers ripen fully red before collecting seeds. Cut open ripe peppers, carefully remove seeds, spread to dry 1–2 weeks. Wear gloves.

Properly dried and stored Cayenne Pepper seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Yes — Cayenne Pepper is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.