Description
Long Red Cayenne Pepper Seeds (Hot Chili Type) 1935. Heirloom Vegetable.
Approx. 25 seeds/pkt (160 seeds/gram)
A Historic Heirloom for Drying, Pickling, and Global Cuisine.
The Long Red Cayenne is an ancient heirloom variety with a lineage reaching back thousands of years to Central and South America. These productive plants grow to about 75 cm tall and produce striking, thin, tapered peppers. Each fruit measures approximately 12.5 cm long and 1.25 cm thick, often displaying unique curls and twists as they ripen from green to a brilliant crimson red. Known for its versatility, this “all-purpose” hot chili is a staple in East Asian dishes and is the primary choice for making homemade cayenne powder.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 1935
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Type: Heirloom Hot Pepper
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Heat Level: 4000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
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Fruit: Thin, tapered (12.5 cm x 1.25 cm); green to crimson red
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Height: 75 cm
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Uses: Ideal for drying (ground into flakes/powder), pickling, and canning.
Understanding the Heat (SHU)
Rated at 4000 SHU, the Long Red Cayenne provides a moderate, approachable heat. It offers enough of a “kick” to enhance spicy recipes without the overwhelming intensity of super-hot varieties. Its thin walls make it one of the easiest peppers to dry for long-term storage in your spice cupboard.
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Cayenne peppers require a warm, bright start to produce their characteristic long, twisted fruits.
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Sow Indoors: Start seeds from mid-February to late March in a soilless growing mix.
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Planting Depth: Sow seed 6 mm deep.
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Germination: Optimal results occur with a soil temperature of 21°C. Germination typically takes 10–20 days.
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Growing On: Provide bright light and temperatures between 16–21°C to produce strong, stocky seedlings.
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Transplanting: Hardening off is essential. Move plants outdoors in late May or early June once the soil is warm.
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Spacing: Space plants 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart.
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Care: Select a Full Sun location with well-drained soil. Use stakes to support the plants as they become heavy with fruit. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can result in lush leaves but fewer peppers.
Why Long Red Cayenne Seeds belong in Your Garden
This heirloom is a workhorse in the garden and the kitchen. Its ability to be used fresh, pickled, or dried makes it an invaluable asset for any home cook. Because the fruits are thin-walled, they dry quickly even in moderate humidity, allowing you to preserve your harvest as a vibrant, homegrown spice that far surpasses the flavour of store-bought alternatives.
