Long Red Cayenne

Pepper

Zone 7a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Long Red Cayenne

🌱 80d to harvest Upright

Long Red Cayenne unfurls with a vivid, sunset-red glow—sleek, pencil-straight pods that feel crisp and taut to the touch. Expect …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 23rd
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 15th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

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

Yadkin Valley Red Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease issue for Capsicum annuum (Long Red Cayenne) and how do I treat it?

A frequent problem is blossom-end rot caused by inconsistent watering that prevents calcium uptake, showing as dark, sunken spots on the pepper tip. Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) and water deeply when the top 1–2 inches dry, then mulch to reduce drying swings. If you’ve already spotted rot, remove affected fruits and correct the moisture pattern; new fruit should improve as conditions stabilize.

How often should I water Long Red Cayenne during the main growing phase (after flowering starts)?

Water deeply about 1–2 times per week during fruit set, aiming for consistently moist soil; increase frequency during hot, windy weather. Let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow prolonged drying that can trigger blossom-end rot. In-ground plants often need less frequent watering than container peppers, so check moisture by feel before watering.

How can I tell when Long Red Cayenne peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully elongated and firm, with the color fully turning from green to bright red (typically around 80 days). The best test is size plus firmness—ripe cayenne will feel taut and snap slightly rather than staying soft or floppy. Use scissors or snips to avoid pulling and damaging the plant.

Long Red Cayenne unfurls with a vivid, sunset-red glow—sleek, pencil-straight pods that feel crisp and taut to the touch. Expect a bright, piquant heat with a clean, peppery snap, ideal for turning up the intensity in sauces and salsas, or for drying and grinding into fiery seasoning. A warm-season favorite for gardeners who love bold flavor that stays lively from fresh harvest to pantry-ready use.

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 best long red cayenne-style chillies, transplant only once night temps stay reliably above 50°F and plants have had 7–10 days to harden off.