Hot Pepper Seeds - Cayenne Long Red Thin

The Cayenne Long Red Thin pepper is a classic hot pepper variety, cherished for its fiery heat, slim shape, and versatility in the kitchen. Known for their vibrant red color and intense flavor, these peppers are perfect for adding heat to sauces, salsas, and dry rubs, or for drying and grinding into cayenne powder. A prolific producer, this variety thrives in a wide range of climates, making it a favorite among home gardeners and spice enthusiasts alike.

Key Benefits

• Spicy Heat: Delivers a bold, medium-hot spice level, ideal for enhancing dishes.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for fresh use, drying, or grinding into cayenne pepper powder.
• Prolific Harvest: Produces an abundance of slender, vibrant red peppers.
• Compact Growth: Ideal for gardens or container planting.
• Long Shelf Life: Dried peppers store well, ensuring a year-round supply of spice.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants reaching 24–30 inches tall.
• Pepper Profile: Long, slender, tapered fruits, 4–6 inches in length.
• Heat Level: Medium-hot, with a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) range of 30,000–50,000.
• Color Transition: Peppers mature from green to bright red.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date.
• Transplant outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F (18°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture but avoid waterlogging.
• Deep watering 1–2 times per week encourages strong root systems.

Fertilization

• Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting and transition to a low-nitrogen formula once fruits develop.
• Incorporate organic compost to enrich the soil and improve yields.

Weeding and Mulching

• Keep the area weed-free to minimize competition for nutrients.
• Apply mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for aphids, spider mites, and pepper weevils. Employ neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
• Diseases: Minimize risks by practicing crop rotation, ensuring good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Cayenne Long Red Thin peppers mature in 70–75 days.
• Harvest when peppers turn bright red for maximum heat and flavor.

Method

• Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut peppers from the plant, leaving a small stem to prevent damage.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store fresh peppers in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks.
• Long-Term: Dry whole peppers and store in an airtight container. Alternatively, grind dried peppers into cayenne powder for use as a spice.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh Use: Add sliced peppers to salads, tacos, or salsas for a fiery kick.
• Cayenne Powder: Grind dried peppers for homemade spice blends.
• Hot Sauces: Create flavorful, spicy sauces with freshly harvested peppers.
• Pickling: Pickle peppers for a tangy, spicy condiment.
• Infused Oils: Use dried peppers to infuse oils with heat and flavor.

Conclusion

The Cayenne Long Red Thin pepper is a versatile and productive variety, ideal for gardeners who love bold flavors and culinary experimentation. Its fiery heat and vibrant red color make it a standout addition to any dish or spice rack. With its ease of cultivation and prolific harvest, this hot pepper is a must-have for anyone seeking to spice up their garden and their cooking. Whether used fresh, dried, or powdered, Cayenne Long Red Thin peppers deliver exceptional heat and flavor.