Grow Cayenne Peppers

One of the Best Chili Peppers Out There

No matter how many rare and exotic hot peppers come and go, some classics never lose their crown and Cayenne peppers are one of them.

Cayenne peppers are a go-to favorite for drying, grinding, and turning into homemade pepper powder or flakes. Why? Incredible flavor and thin skins. Less moisture means easier drying and better results, whether you like your heat mild or fiery.

Why Grow Cayenne Peppers?

Cayenne peppers are one of the most reliable and rewarding chili peppers you can grow.

• • Resilient plants with fewer disease issues

  • Thin-skinned peppers ideal for drying

  • Consistent heat with great flavor

  • Perfect for gardens and containers

With just a little TLC, Cayenne peppers thrive.

How to Grow Cayenne Peppers Successfully

Growing Cayenne peppers is easy and fun, making them a great choice for beginners and experienced growers alike.

Here are the basics:

• • Plant in a sunny location

  • Use a quality soil medium with good drainage

  • Cayennes grow exceptionally well in containers

  • Try 5-gallon black plastic containers, the dark color helps warm the root zone

They’re tough plants, but a little attention goes a long way.

Drying Cayenne Peppers at Home

Drying Cayenne peppers doesn’t need fancy equipment.

One of the simplest methods is to thread a needle through the stems and hang your peppers in a sunny window to create a beautiful chile ristras. Not only is it effective, it’s a great-looking way to show off your harvest.

Feeding Your Cayenne Peppers

If you prefer growing organically, Cayenne peppers respond well to:

• • Fish emulsion
  • Blood meal
  • Bone meal

Feed consistently and your plants will reward you with a generous harvest.

So Many Cayenne Varieties to Choose From

Cayenne peppers come in more varieties than most people realize, including:

• • Tabasco

  • Thai

  • Kung Pao (known for ultra-thin skins)

  • Serrano

  • Charleston Hot

  • Peter Peppers

  • Fish Pepper

Pepper Joe’s favorites?

• •  Cayenne Blend – A beautiful mix of colors and heat levels

  • Pepper Joe’s Cayenne – Known for producing heavy, reliable yields

Looking to grow your own? We offer a curated selection of Cayenne pepper seeds and live Cayenne plants, so you can choose the varieties that fit your garden and heat preference.

Learn More & Grow With Confidence

If you’re looking for more help, you’re not alone. We get questions about growing peppers every day.

Check out:

• Grow With Joe – Tips for every stage of growing

• FAQs & Growing Guides – Troubleshooting and expert advice

Cayenne peppers are a classic for a reason, easy to grow, easy to use, and always satisfying.

Fiery regards,
Pepper Joe

Pepper Joe Jr. shares expert advice on growing, drying, and using Cayenne peppers at home.