Cayenne Pepper
Capsicum Annuum

days to maturity: 55 green; 75 red ripe
plant spacing: 1 plant per square foot
sunlight requirement: 6 - 14 hours
look out for: white fly & spider mites
harvest notes: pick the first peppers promptly when they reach full size to encourage further fruit set. 
scoville heat units: 30,000 - 50,000
annual

Cayenne is a hot chili pepper used to flavor many dishes. It is named for the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. Chilis are mostly perennial in subtropical and tropical regions; however, they are usually grown as annuals in temperate climates. Cayenne is a popular spice in a variety of cuisines. It is employed variously in its fresh form, dried and powdered, and as dried flakes. It is also a key ingredient in a variety of hot sauces, particularly those employing vinegar as a preservative. Cayenne pepper is often spread on sandwiches or similar items to add a spicy flavor. Buffalo wing sauce often contains cayenne. Cayenne pepper, by weight, is relatively high in vitamin A. It also contains vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, and manganese. Cayenne pepper may support a healthy energy balance while suppressing appetite.

Image courtesy Johnny's Select Seed.