Growing Cayenne Peppers (Andy F1)

This page is about growing cayenne peppers using the Andy (F1) as our model pictured at the right.

The Andy (F1) is a Korean type cayenne pepper that turns bright red and dries beautifully. Transplant into solar mulch and use a row cover for the first month or so to get earlier, higher yields of gorgeous, uniform 3/4" x 7-8" fruit.

Strong erect plant holds fruits up well so they grow long and straight. Combine with our other great drying peppers for splendid ristras. Days to Maturity or Bloom: 60 green, 85 red ripe.

Well-drained, fertile soil with abundant phosphorus and calcium is best for growing the Andy (F1). Sow seeds in shallow flats, 4 seeds/in., 1/4" deep, in late March or about 8 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors.

If possible, maintain soil temperatures 80-90°F (27-32°C). Pepper seed germinates very slowly in cooler soil.

When the first true leaves just show, transplant 2-3" apart in flats or 2" cell-type containers. (The use of 2" or larger cells will produce larger plants with better-developed root systems.) Grow plants at approx. 70°F (21°C) day and 60°F (16°C) nights.

Exposing the seedlings to controlled cold treatments can increase the number of flowers and fruits. When the third true leaf appears, grow the plants at a minimum night temp. of 53-55°F (12-13°C) for 4 weeks.

The plants should receive full sunlight. After 4 weeks adjust temp. to 70°F (21°C) day and night. If this technique is used, peppers should be seeded 1-2 weeks earlier than usual.

When growing cayenne pepper transplant them outdoors after frost when the soil is warm and weather is settled. Ideal seedlings have buds, but no open flowers.

Set plants 12-18" apart in rows 24-36" apart, or 2 rows on poly/paper mulch, 18" between plants. Water-in transplants using a high phosphorus solution.

Cold weather is buffered and earliness increased by using IRT plastic mulch, especially in combination with a slitted row cover or lightweight fabric row cover supported by wire hoops. Remove row covers when in sunny weather above 85°F (29°C) to prevent heat damage.

Control climbing cutworms with Dipel, or with paper cylinder collars. Control tarnished plant bugs, aphids, and flea beetles with rotenone or pyrethrin.

To prevent bacterial spot and phytopthora, drip irrigate only, plant only in well-drained soils, minimize soil compaction, follow a 4-year crop rotation. Sunscald is caused by inadequate foliage. Prevent blossom end rot with adequate soil calcium and regular moisture.

Big bushy plants with few peppers can be caused by an excess of nitrogen, hot or cold temp. extremes during the flowering period, tarnished plant bug injury, and choice of late, poorly-adapted varieties.

Pick the first peppers promptly when they reach full size to encourage further fruit set. Wash and hold at 45°F (7°C) and 95% humidity.

We will start ours indoors around the 1st of January 2010 depending on what the Lunar chart suggests.

March 2010--we did not get to start ours yet. We have not had the right weather this season.

Keep checking back for updates on growing cayenne peppers.

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