Chili De Cayenne [Capsicum annuum]

The perennial chili 'De Cayenne' is a medium-late and the best-known hot chili. Cayenne pepper is made from this traditional variety and is characterized by its sharp heat and slightly smoky, spicy taste. Ideal for pre-cultivation, pot culture possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the fruits.

 Description 
The 'De Cayenne' chili is a perennial fruit vegetable plant and the best-known hot chili. This variety originates from the capital of French Guiana and is mainly ground into a fine chili powder, the so-called cayenne pepper. The plants grow bushy and compact and produce narrow, 15 cm long, thin-walled fruits. The cayenne pepper is characterized by its biting spiciness and a slightly smoky, spicy taste that gives many dishes a special touch. Each fruit stage, whether green or red, can be eaten raw or cooked. In contrast to other chili varieties, the variety is very easy to grow.

 General information 
Plant family: Solanaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 80 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: High
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 23-28 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 40x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Nettle, Cucumber, Bean, Nasturtium, Parsley, Garlic, Onion, Marigold, Mustard, Borage, Lettuce, Basil, Dill, Carrot
Unfavorable mixed culture: Tomato, Eggplant, Physalis, Potato, Pea, Celery, Beetroot, Fennel

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Pre-cultivation in small bowls from January to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be located in a sheltered, warm and sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Pre-cultivation in small bowls from January to April is recommended. The plants should ideally be located somewhere sheltered from the wind, warm and sunny.

 General recommendations 
For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow until the first visible chili leaves appear, then transplant them into the desired containers. After transplanting, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are ready to be planted out as seedlings. Plant the seedlings in the bed from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
The 'De Cayenne' chili ideally prefers a soil that is constantly moist, permeable, nutrient-rich and contains plenty of humus and loam. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Chili needs airy temperatures of 24 to 30°C to thrive optimally. Chili plants are generally cultivated with 2 or 4 shoots. A framework for tying the chili shoots is recommended. To stimulate root growth and thus plant growth, the seedlings are planted deeper into the soil when pricking out, up to the leaf axis of the cotyledons. Sufficient and even watering has a positive effect on fruit quality. At temperatures below 15°C, the plant reduces its growth. Regular harvesting increases yield. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to additionally incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds and cuttings.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich and constantly moist soil is fundamentally important for growth and quality fruit formation. Depending on the condition of the soil, fertilization is recommended after 10 weeks.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Capsicum annuum
English names: Chili
German names: Chili
Portuguese names: Pimenta, Malagueta
Spanish names: Chile, Ají
French names: Le Chili

 Origin 
Country: Portugal