Cayenne Pepper Planting Guide
Long, fiery red chili pepper used fresh, dried, or ground for heat in countless recipes worldwide
Flavor notes: Thin-walled, sharp, and hot.
Variety notes: Best for drying, flakes, hot sauce, and powders.
Best Time and Place to Plant Pepper
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Cayenne Pepper in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 90F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 65F to 90F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; slight drought stress increases heat
- Days to harvest: 75
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 2-3 inches worked into soil
- Calcium supplement organic: To prevent blossom end rot
Companion Plants
- Basil
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Marigold
Avoid Planting Near
- Fennel
- Apricots
Harvest Signs
- Peppers are 4-6 inches long and bright red
- Skin is smooth and glossy
- Harvest green for mild heat or red for full heat
- Use gloves when harvesting to avoid skin irritation
FAQs
When should I plant Pepper?
Pepper planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Pepper?
The best time of year to plant Pepper is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 65F to 90F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Pepper?
Plant Cayenne Pepper in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 90F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Pepper?
Plant Pepper about 18 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Pepper?
Pepper is commonly paired with Basil, Carrots, Tomatoes, Marigold.