The first step in growing cayenne pepper is the handling of the seeds. It is best when the seeds can first be planted indoors. The fragile nature of cayenne pepper seeds make them sensitive to exposure to cold or hot temperature. An amble amount of sun as well as nutrient rich soil are essential for optimum plant health. Keep the environment above sixty degrees Fahrenheit until the sprouting process begins.

The cayenne pepper seeds should begin to sprout around fifteen to twenty weeks after initially planting. At this point in the process of growing cayenne pepper, you must have your plants prepared for the outdoors. Each plant must be kept at least two to three inches apart from each other, otherwise the plants may be potted individually. As the time draws near to relocate your cayenne pepper, you should periodically store them outside. This allows the plants to gradually acclimate to the change in location.

The next step in growing cayenne pepper is to prepare your outdoor location. The water content of the soil is very important. Be sure to plant your cayenne pepper in moist, however not entirely saturated, soil. The location should have access to full sunlight. Finally, well fertilized soil is crucial to overall health of your plants.

Your cayenne pepper plants are now ready to be planted in the garden. Being extra careful that your area has experienced the seasons last frost, its time to take the plants outside. The plants themselves should be planted in rows making sure to leave a foot radius around each plant. Lastly, regularly weeding your garden area allows your plants to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients from your soil.

Pick your peppers. In about 70 to 80 days, you should have some cayenne peppers ready for harvesting. Cayenne peppers are at maturation when they are about 4 to 6 inches long and they break easily from the stem. It is recommended, however, that you cut the peppers rather than pull them off as it causes less damage to the plant. The plant should yield peppers until the autumn frost.