Cayenne Pepper

1. Site and Soil Selection

• Location: A sunny spot (6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily).
• Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.

🌾 2. Growing from Seeds

• Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
• Sow seeds in small trays at a depth of about 0.5 cm.
• Maintain a temperature of 24–28°C for germination (takes about 10–14 days).
• After seedlings sprout and develop 2–3 true leaves, transplant them gradually into larger pots.

🌤️ 3. Transplanting into Ground or Pots

• After the danger of frost has passed, move seedlings outdoors into garden beds or containers.
• Spacing: About 40–50 cm between plants.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the seedlings were previously growing.

💧 4. Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Regular but not excessive. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization:
  • Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium (to encourage fruiting).
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen as it promotes foliage over fruit.
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🐛 5. Care and Pest Management

• Watch for pests like whiteflies and aphids.
• Use organic pesticides (e.g., neem oil).
• Prune lower leaves to improve air circulation.

🌶️ 6. Harvesting

• Time from planting to harvest: Approximately 70 to 100 days.
• Pick fruits when they have fully turned red.
• Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to harvest without damaging the plant.