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Growing Sweet Cayenne Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

You know you are getting the best start by purchasing seeds from True Leaf Market! Before planting, prepare your seed starting mix. Use a light, well-draining soil mix, ideally, one formulated for seed starting. Fill your seed trays or pots with the mix, moisten the soil, and ensure it's firmly packed but not compacted. This creates an ideal environment for seeds to germinate and roots to grow.

Sow your Sweet Cayenne pepper seeds about ¼ inch deep in the soil, covering them lightly. Place the seed trays or pots in a warm, bright location—a south-facing window or under grow lights is perfect. The ideal germination temperature is between 75°F and 85°F. Cover your trays or pots with plastic wrap or a clear dome to maintain moisture and warmth. Check the soil daily to ensure it remains moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause the seeds to rot. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days, at which point you can remove the plastic covering.

Once your Sweet Cayenne seedlings have emerged and developed their first set of true leaves (the second set of leaves after the initial sprouts), it's time to thin them. Carefully select the strongest seedling in each cell or pot, and gently remove the others by snipping them at the soil line with scissors. This prevents root disturbance of the remaining seedlings. As your seedlings grow, ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with grow lights to prevent the seedlings from becoming leggy. Gradually introduce your plants to outdoor conditions through a process called hardening off. This involves placing your plants outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure over a week or two to acclimate them to outdoor conditions.

When the danger of frost has passed, and your seedlings are strong and well-acclimated, it's time to transplant them into your garden or larger containers. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. Incorporate a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time to provide essential nutrients. Water your Sweet Cayenne peppers deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain consistent soil moisture.

As your Sweet Cayenne peppers grow, support their stems with stakes or cages to prevent bending or breaking under the weight of the fruit. Monitor for pests and diseases, and address any issues promptly to ensure the health of your plants. Applying mulch at the base of your plants can help with soil retention, soil temperatures, and preventing weeds.

Harvesting Sweet Cayenne Peppers

Sweet Cayenne peppers typically reach maturity 75 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions. The initial sign of readiness is the pepper's color. While they can be harvested green, Sweet Cayenne peppers develop their full sweetness and a richer flavor as they turn red.

When harvesting Sweet Cayenne peppers use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Grasp the pepper gently and cut the stem about a half-inch above the fruit. Avoid pulling or twisting the peppers off by hand, as this can cause branches to break or damage the plant, potentially affecting future yields.

About Sweet Cayenne Pepper Garden Seeds

This unique pepper might look menacing but has only 0-200 Scoville units of heat. For reference, a mild jalapeno has 2,500 units.

Sweet Cayenne peppers are thin-walled and perfect for frying or a crunchy snack. These elongated red fruits can reach twelve inches long, but are typically 4-6 inches.

Peppers generally are great for growing in gardens, greenhouses, containers, raised beds, and even indoors. Sweet Cayenne is no different. It is hard to go wrong if they have adequate light, moisture, warmth, and nutrients.

Sweet Cayenne pepper plants can produce multiple fruits throughout the growing season, especially if maintained in optimal growing conditions. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more flowers and, subsequently, more peppers. Check your plants every few days, especially as the season progresses and temperatures rise, as peppers can mature quickly.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Sweet Cayenne peppers are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can add a unique flavor to sauces, salsas, and marinades, or be used to spice up pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. Their mild heat makes them accessible to many palates, and their sweetness brings a delightful balance to dishes. "

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Scoville Heat Scale

Sweet Cayenne Pepper Seeds Per Package:

• 300mg - Packet - Approximately 50 Seeds
• .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Sweet Cayenne Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.