Position: Choose a sunny location for planting, as peppers thrive in full sunlight. Space the plants about 30-45cms apart, as cayenne pepper plants can grow quite large.
Soil: Cayenne peppers prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-6.8).
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cayenne peppers prefer slightly drier conditions compared to some other pepper varieties.
Fertilising: Fertilise the plants with a balanced fertiliser once they start flowering. Our berry fertiliser is a great slow-release for all fruit trees.
Mulching:
Pruning –Cayenne pepper plants may benefit from staking or caging to support the weight of the peppers. Pinch back the tips of the plants when they are about a 30cm tall to encourage bushier growth.
Harvesting: You can harvest Cayenne Peppers when green or wait until they turn red for a spicier flavour.
To store cayenne peppers, you can air-dry them by hanging them in a warm, dry place. Once dry, you can grind them into powder for later use.
- Keep an eye out for common pepper pests like aphids and caterpillars. Use organic pesticide if possible EM Control or Neem Oil.
- Provide adequate spacing and airflow to prevent diseases, and avoid overhead watering.
