Cayenne chillies
Long, slender hot chillies that dry well for flakes and powder.
Cayenne chillies seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
January–March indoors with warmth
Plant out
Give a long warm season; pick fully red fruit for drying.
Harvest
August–October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water
Keep compost consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering slightly as fruits ripen.
Soil
Rich, free-draining, pH 6.0–6.8
Spacing
30-45cm between plants
Containers
Excellent in 15-25cm pots or grow bags. The smaller the pot, the smaller the plant but often more fruit per plant.
Indoors
Highly recommended for success in the UK, especially in a greenhouse, conservatory, or very sunny windowsill.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Once fruits begin to set, feed weekly with a high-potash tomato feed.
Pruning
Pinch out the growing tip when plants are 15-20cm tall for bushier growth. Some varieties benefit from removing the 'king flower'.
Harvesting
Give a long warm season; pick fully red fruit for drying.
Storage
Store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, or dry/freeze for longer preservation.
Good companions: Basil, Carrots, Marigolds, Onions