- A large hot pepper that can grow up to a foot long with a twisting habit and are perfect for drying.
Pepper Seeds - Hot - Ristra Cayenne Hybrid
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70 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Ristra Cayenne Hybrid Hot Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, deer resistant, hot pepper with medium heat levels. 25,000 to 35,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This thin-walled, extra-long cayenne is perfect for frying, drying, and stir-frying! The wrinkled fruits can extend up to a foot long in some cases and twist in a very aesthetic way. String them up to dry and simultaneously achieve a beautiful rustic decoration. They mature through a progression of green ot yellow to bright crimson red and adorn your garden with an unmatched elegance. This hybrid variety is particularly vigorous! ~4,000 seeds/oz.
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Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF 
Growing Ristra Cayenne Hybrid Hot Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
Initiate the process indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before your region's anticipated last frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inch in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 75-85 F. Utilizing a heat mat can be beneficial in achieving and sustaining the necessary warmth for germination.
Once seedlings emerge, provide them with ample light (ideally 14-16 hours daily), using grow lights or by placing them in a sunny window. Regularly rotate the seedlings to promote uniform growth and prevent legginess. When the seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, consider transplanting them into individual pots to encourage robust root development.
Approximately two weeks prior to transplanting outdoors, begin the hardening-off process to acclimate the seedlings to external conditions. Gradually expose them to outdoor environments. Transplant the hardened seedlings into the garden or larger containers after the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 55 F. Space the plants 12 to 28 inches apart in rows set 24 to 36 inches apart. Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Ensure they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily once in the garden. Water the plants consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage at the expense of fruit production. As the plants grow, consider staking or caging them to support the weight of the developing peppers and prevent branches from breaking.
Harvesting Ristra Cayenne Hybrid Hot Peppers
The peppers can be harvested at any stage, but reach their peak flavor and maturity once they turn a crimson red color. The peppers can be anywhere from 7 to 12 inches long. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.
About Ristra Cayenne Hybrid Hot Pepper Garden Seeds
The Ristra Cayenne F1 pepper is a hybrid developed in the United States, bred for its high yield, uniformity, and suitability for drying and ornamental use.
Its name, "Ristra," reflects its traditional use in creating decorative strings of dried peppers, a practice common in Southwestern cultures.
Select containers that are at least 12 inches in diameter and have adequate drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix, and ensure the containers receive sufficient sunlight and regular watering.
Ristra Cayenne F1 is the perfect choice for those looking to grow a classically shaped, hardy pepper plant with many uses. It’s spicy but not too intense!
Tips From Our Gardeners
"One of my biggest tips to any gardener is not to be in the garden daily. Get to know your plants well! Check the tops and bottoms of the leaves for bugs, pull weeds, monitor sun exposure, and more. It just takes a little bit of time every day to be on top of things."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Ristra Cayenne Hybrid Hot Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 300 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 40 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 64,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Ristra Cayenne Hybrid Hot Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Latin Name: | Capsicum annuum |
| Ristra Cayenne Hybrid Hot Pepper Color: | Red, Yellow, Green |
| Ristra Cayenne Hybrid Hot Pepper Flavor: | Hot and spicy |
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: | 70 (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: | 18-22 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Scoville Heat Units: | 25,000 to 35,000 |
| Heat Level: | Medium - 2,500 to 30,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example: Jalapeno |
| Growth Speed: | Early - Ready for harvest around 61 to 75 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: | Their thin walls make them ideal for drying into ristras, which can be used decoratively or ground into chili flakes and powders. They're also excellent in stir-fries, salsas, and sauces, adding a spicy kick to dishes. |
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