- Unique for its purple color and being slightly sweeter than the traditional red Cayenne Pepper, this variety is great for small garden spaces.
Pepper Seeds - Hot - Cayenne Purple
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75-85 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Cayenne Purple Hot Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, high-yielding, deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, 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 rare variety of Cayenne pepper is known for it’s deep purple coloration. Cayenne Purple hot pepper seeds are a popular choice for anyone who wants a unique plant that can both provide a good yield of hot peppers and add some ornamental decoration to a vegetable garden. ~5,000 seeds/oz.
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Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF 
Growing Cayenne Purple Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
It is recommended to start seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant the seeds about 0.25 inches deep in seed starting mix such as coco coir. Seeds germinate best between 70-85 F. Keep them moist until true leaves develop. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves and outdoor temperatures consistently stay above 55 F, it's time to harden them off. Gradually expose the plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days, starting with a few hours of morning sun and gradually increasing their time outside.
After hardening off, transplant seedlings into the garden or containers when nighttime temperatures remain above 60 F. Space plants 12–24 inches apart in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) at planting time. Ensure they receive full sun for optimal growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Once the plants begin to flower, switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus to encourage fruit development. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Harvesting Cayenne Purple Hot Peppers
The peppers start green and turn deep purple, measuring around 3 inches long. You can harvest them at the green stage for a slightly milder flavor or wait until they turn purple for maximum heat. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant. Wear gloves when handling the fruit and avoid touching your face. These hot peppers can cause irritation to sensitive areas.
About Cayenne Purple Hot Pepper Garden Seeds
Purple Cayenne peppers are known for their ornamental appeal as much as their culinary appeal. The dark fruits are glossy and attractive hanging on the plant.
Purple Cayenne Peppers are versatile in the kitchen. They can be used fresh in salsas and salads, dried and ground into powder, or pickled for long-term storage. Their vibrant color also makes them an attractive garnish.
These peppers are well-suited for container gardening. Choose a pot at least 12 inches in diameter with good drainage. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering and fertilization
Tips From Our Gardeners
"If you’re a fan of cayenne peppers, I recommend growing all the colorful varieties True Leaf Market has! Red, purple, orange, and yellow. Imagine all the colors lined up in an alternating pattern. Then, you can also have a chance to try the nuanced flavors between the colors."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Cayenne Purple Hot Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 500 mg - Approximately 88 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 5,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 80,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Cayenne Purple Hot Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Latin Name: | Capsicum annuum |
| Cayenne Purple Pepper Color: | Purple |
| Cayenne Purple Hot Pepper Flavor: | Spicy with fruity and earthy undertones |
Growing Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 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: | 75-85 (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: | 24-36 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: | Dried powders, pickled, hot sauces, marinades, etc. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Drought, Heat |
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