Species
Capsicum annuumPepper17 other cultivars
‘Sweet Banana’Sweet Banana Pepper
‘Poblano’Poblano Pepper
‘Early Jalapeno’Early Jalapeño
‘Yum Yums Hybrid Mixed Mini Bells’Yum Yum Peppers
‘Golden California Wonder’Golden California Wonder Pepper
‘Serrano’Serrano Pepper
‘Chile de Arbol’Chile de Arbol
‘Lunchbox Red’Lunchbox Red Pepper
‘Hot-chi Mama’Hot Chile Pepper
‘Fresno’Fresno Pepper
‘Mama Mia Giallo’Mama Mia Giallo Pepper
‘Purple Beauty’Purple Beauty Bell Pepper
‘Squirrel Defeater Spring’Squirrel Defeater Pepper
‘Jimmy Nardello's Italian Frying’Jimmy Nardello's Italian Frying Pepper
‘Shishito’Shishito Pepper
‘Michigan Wonder’Michigan Wonder Sweet Pepper
‘Alma’Alma Paprika Pepper
The Story
Plant Bio
An herbaceous annual, typically grown for its edible, pungent fruits (peppers). Plants are branching and upright, with simple, ovate leaves and small, star-shaped white flowers that develop into fruits.
A compact, dwarf variety ideal for containers. Prolifically produces small, conical, 1-2 inch peppers that mature from greenish-yellow to orange and finally bright red. The peppers are very hot and grow upright in clusters.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fruit Vegetable
Height
16 inches
Width
14 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Central and South America
Toxicity
Fruit is edible but spicy; leaves and stems can be toxic if ingested. Can cause skin and eye irritation.
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep into moist, well-draining soil in full sun.
- Maintain consistent watering, keeping soil evenly moist for 6 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost passes, around 2-3 weeks past last frost date.
- Provide support with stakes or cages as plants grow taller.
- Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
- Harvest peppers when they reach desired color and size, typically 75-85 days after planting.
Pro Tip
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost for earlier harvests.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Use organic compost to enrich soil quality
- Prune to promote airflow and healthy growth
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in shaded areas; peppers need full sun
- Refrain from using high nitrogen fertilizers late in season
- Don’t forget to support taller plants to prevent toppling
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cajun Fire Pepper questions
What zones can Cajun Fire Pepper grow in?
Cajun Fire Pepper is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cajun Fire Pepper deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cajun Fire Pepper, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cajun Fire Pepper bloom?
Cajun Fire Pepper typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cajun Fire Pepper need full sun?
Cajun Fire Pepper does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Capsicum to compare
Sweet Banana Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Banana'
Poblano Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Poblano'
Aji Amarillo
Capsicum baccatum 'Aji Amarillo'
Early Jalapeño
Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeno'
Yum Yum Peppers
Capsicum annuum 'Yum Yums Hybrid Mixed Mini Bells'
Golden California Wonder Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Golden California Wonder'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cajun Fire Pepper with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.