Carolina Cayenne

Pepper

Zone 5a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Carolina Cayenne

🌱 80d to harvest Upright

Aromatic and boldly piquant, Carolina Cayenne brings a vivid, sunlit heat that builds with every bite—bright, peppery, and unmist…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 20th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 21st
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Lemon Sweet Dan Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease issue with Capsicum annuum (Carolina Cayenne) and how do I manage it?

Hot-pepper types like Carolina Cayenne commonly get fungal leaf spots or blights in humid weather; look for dark, water-soaked spots that spread and cause leaf drop. Remove affected leaves early, avoid wetting foliage when you water, and improve airflow with wider spacing and light pruning of overly dense growth. If problems spread, apply a labeled fungicide suitable for peppers and repeat as directed on the label.

How often should I water Carolina Cayenne during the main growing phase (after transplanting)?

During active growth and while fruits are forming, keep soil evenly moist but never soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week, adjusting for heat and container size. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil dries out, and ensure drainage is excellent to prevent root stress. Inconsistent moisture can lead to blossom-end rot and uneven fruit development in Capsicum annuum.

How can I tell when Carolina Cayenne is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods reach their full length and have turned from green to their mature color (typically red) with firm, glossy skin and a slightly crisp feel. Many Carolina Cayenne selections mature around ~80 days from transplant, but use color and size as the primary cues. For a hotter, more fully developed pepper, wait until the pods are fully colored; for a milder flavor, you can pick earlier while still green.

Aromatic and boldly piquant, Carolina Cayenne brings a vivid, sunlit heat that builds with every bite—bright, peppery, and unmistakably lively. Long, slender pods ripen to a warm red glow with a smooth, taut skin, offering a crisp snap and a clean, fiery finish. Ideal for drying, grinding, and flavoring sauces, this cayenne is a garden favorite for gardeners who love to capture its heat in bold, versatile forms.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

For the most heat and uniform pod set, start with warm soil and keep steady moisture—avoid stress after flowering.