Cayenne Purple Pepper – MIg

Description

Cayenne Purple Pepper is a unique heirloom variety prized for its long, slender fruits that mature from deep purple to bright red. The peppers typically grow 12–18 cm long and deliver a medium to hot level of heat with a rich, spicy flavor. Their striking color makes them highly ornamental while remaining perfect for fresh use, drying, hot sauces, chili flakes, pickling, and spicy dishes. This vigorous, high-yielding variety thrives in warm weather and performs exceptionally well in the UAE.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors in July.
• Outdoors: Transplant seedlings or direct sow from October through March, when temperatures are warm.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Plant in full sun in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 10–21 days in warm soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 45–60 cm apart, with 60–90 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development, while avoiding waterlogged conditions.
• Feeding: Apply compost before planting and feed with a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks. Increase potassium once flowering begins to encourage abundant fruit production.
• Harvest: Harvest purple peppers in approximately 70 days, or allow fruits to mature fully to bright red in 90–100 days for maximum heat and flavor.
• Harvesting Tips: Harvest regularly using clean pruners or scissors to encourage continuous fruit production. Wear gloves when handling mature peppers to avoid skin irritation.