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Originally from South America, Capsicum cayenne is now
used worldwide as a food and spice. Plant grows 2.5-3
feet tall by 18-24 inches wide. The fruit is used
medicinally.
It is in leaf all year, simple oval, lance-shaped leaves.
Bell-shaped, white to green flowers appear in Spring and
Summer, and are followed by the fruits. The fruits are 4
to 6 inches long by 1.5cm in diameter, maturing from
green to red and are often curled and twisted. The fruit
has a thin wall and is ideal for drying. Cayenne Pepper
is a medium hot pepper which is a very popular
international favorite. Hot 30K-50K (Scoville Units), 10
times hotter than Jalapeno. Cayenne interesting flavor
makes them popular fresh, cooked or pickled. Matures in
73 Days from setting out of transplants.
Hardiness zones 9 -11, (-5°C/25°F, 4°C/40°F) in
Winter. Cayenne thrive in hot weather. As with all
peppers, the cayenne does well in an area with good
morning sun, in soil with an acidity level around 5-6 pH
. It should be watered only when dry. Overly moist soil
and roots will produce bitter-tasting peppers. Peppers
are not heavy feeder. Once flowering begins, fertilizer
should be withheld; otherwise, flowers may drop without
setting fruit.
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