Cayenne

• Fruit size: 5 to 6 inches
• Matures: 70 to 75

This very hot pepper is the prime ingredient in Cayenne pepper, which is made when the dried peppers are ground into powder. This is also the favored spice of Creole and Cajun cuisine used to give gumbo and crayfish dishes their punch. Thin-walled, skinny, wrinkled fruits are 5 to 6 inches long and very hot. However, they will not be hot when small. Wait until they get at least 5 or 6 inches long to pick hot ones. They can be substituted for most dishes calling for Serrano, Jalapeno, or Habanero peppers. Easy to grow and tolerant of hot, humid weather, Cayenne will produce peppers all summer. These skinny peppers are also called chili or finger peppers. Set transplants 18 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart.