This exceptionally ornamental pepper is also one of the hottest we have encountered. Two-foot plants are covered with dozens and dozens of light purple blossoms which turn into dark purple, thin peppers about 3 long. The Purple Cayenne Pepper is a bit smaller than a regular cayenne.

20 seeds

PLANTING

Caspsicum annuum

Germination:10-14 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 75-85F. Cooler soil temperaturesslow the germination time.

Seed Sowing Depth: deep

Starting Indoors:8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow in flats/cells/pots. Provide 75-85Fsoil temperatures. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer (diluted to of suggested measurement). Transplant seedlings 18-24 apart after the last frost.

Sowing Outdoors:Not recommended, especially in northern areas

How much does a packet plant:20-25 foot single row

Harvest:Use a sharp instrument to cut the peppers from the plant. Pick the first fruits when they reach usable size, this helps accelerate the growth of the other peppers on the plant. Leave some peppers on the plant to mature so they can change color and sweeten up.

Tips:Pinch offearly flowers or tiny fruit on any seedlings before placing them in the ground.The Purple Cayenne Pepper should be plantedin fertile soil and amended with compostif needed. It helps to use row cover early in the season, giving the plants extra warmth, especially in the north. Side dress when flowers begin to form.