- The largest Cayenne with thick walls that is good to use fresh, or dried as a seasoning.
Pepper - Hot - Cayenne Thick
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65-85 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Cayenne Thick Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant, hot pepper with hot heat levels. 30,000-50,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This classic cayenne pepper has thicker walls and a deep, complex, spicy flavor. The thick cayenne peppers are large and beautiful, perfect for dehydrating into spice blends or being used as an ornament in the garden. They have thick flesh and wrinkled skin that is dark green and matures to be a deep red. ~5000 seeds/oz.
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Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF 
Growing Cayenne Thick Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
Begin by sowing seeds indoors about 2 months before your region's last expected frost date. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix. Plant the seeds 0.25 inch deep and lightly cover them with soil. Maintain a consistent soil temperature between 75 F and 85 F. Using heat mats and grow lights is helpful. Approximately two weeks before transplanting outdoors, begin the hardening-off process to acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them in a shaded, sheltered area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures.
Once seedlings are 6-8 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden or containers. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Space plants 12-24 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation. Water regularly but avoid sogginess. Mulch around the base of the plants. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer of choice, then switch to a high phosphorus and potassium option once fruiting begins. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for rates and frequencies.
Harvesting Cayenne Thick Peppers
Look for peppers that have turned a vibrant red and have reached their full size, usually 4-7 inches in length. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Freshly harvested peppers can be used immediately, dried for later use, or processed into sauces and powders. Their thick walls make them particularly suitable for drying and grinding into spice blends.
About Cayenne Thick Pepper Garden Seeds
As a hot variety, the Cayenne Thick Hot Pepper delivers a significant level of spiciness, making it ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors. The heat is concentrated in the inner membranes and seeds, so removing these parts can moderate the spiciness if desired.
The Cayenne pepper is originally from French Guiana, specifically the city of Cayenne, from which it derives its name. It gained prominence in European cuisine after being introduced by explorers and has since become a global culinary staple.
The Thick Cayenne variant was developed to provide a meatier pepper with enhanced drying qualities, catering to both culinary and preservation needs.
For container gardening with peppers: Ensure the container is at least 12 inches across and has adequate drainage. Regular watering and feeding are essential, as container plants can dry out more quickly than those in the ground.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Don’t forget to wear gloves when harvesting hot peppers. The oils can easily get on your skin and transfer to delicate areas. Wash your hands regularly!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Cayenne Thick Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 1 g Packet - Approximately 176 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,000 Seeds
- 4 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Cayenne Thick Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Latin Name: | Capsicum annuum |
| Cayenne Thick Pepper Color: | Green to Red |
| Cayenne Thick Pepper Flavor: | Smokey, sweet, spicey, and deep. |
Growing Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11. |
| Days to Maturity: | 65-85 (from transplant) |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 12-24 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 24-36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18-24 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.5 pH), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting, similar to tomatoes. Peppers also need sufficient amounts of phosphorus and calcium. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer for the best results. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). During high heat, foliar and flower development slow or pause until temperatures return to the preferred range. |
| Germination Temperature: | 80-90 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Direct Sow: | No |
| Start Indoors: | Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Harden off and transplant when seedlings are 6-8 inches tall. Bury the stem slightly deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting hot and sweet peppers right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate, potentially affecting the flavors of your harvested peppers. |
| Pepper Pollination: | Peppers have perfect flowers (male and female parts) and will self-pollinate. However, wind and pollinator activity may increase success rates of fertilization and fruit production. |
| Pepper Type: | Hot - These peppers all have some heat and usually rank at least 100, but usually 500 or more on the Scoville scale and have heat ranging from mild to extremely hot. |
| Plant Width: | 18-24 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Scoville Heat Units: | 30,000-50,000 |
| Heat Level: | Hot - 30,000 to 100,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example Cayenne & Tabasco. |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready for harvest around 76 to 90 days from transplant. |
| Pests and Diseases: | Peppers are commonly susceptible to cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial spot, Phytophthora, sunscald, and blossom end rot. To avoid or reduce problems with pests and diseases, stick to a regular watering schedule (drip irrigation is preferred), plant into well-draining soils, and utilize practices such as crop rotation. When taking pest control measures, consider utilizing integrated pest management principles by using mechanical removal, biological control, and other cultural practices before turning to chemical agents. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Pepper Use: | Hot sauces, cooked, raw, salsas, stir-fries, pickled, and as a dried spice. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |
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