How to Raise Cayenne Peppers

Cayenne peppers are a great addition to any garden. These plants are easy to grow and produce loads of spicy peppers. Cayenne peppers are great for the table and will spice up any dish. Cayenne peppers contain capsaisin, a substance that many believe offer health benefits, and these peppers have been used for centuries by alternative health practitioners. Grow several of these special peppers and enjoy the many benefits of the cayenne pepper.

Instructions

1. 

   Pick a garden spot where the peppers will receive full sun. Good drainage of the soil is important for any garden, so remember this when picking a spot.

2. 

   Dig up the soil and prepare the earth for the garden. Loosen the soil and add compost or a commercial mix to make a fertile, nutrient-rich growing spot for the cayenne peppers. A general use fertilizer can also be mixed in at this stage, if desired.

3. Plant the peppers about 2 to 3 feet apart so the plants will have room to grow and so it will be easier to remove weeds. Water the plants generously during the first week to help them adapt to the new environment.

4. Water the plants regularly and fertilize every 2 weeks. Mulch around the plants with grass clippings to promote water retention and help fight weeds.

5. The peppers should mature in 13 to 15 weeks and be ready for picking. The peppers will turn from green to a beautiful bright red. Cayenne peppers will produce up until the first frost.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick the peppers before they are totally ripe and let them finish ripening inside.