Cayenne Purple Chili Pepper – 50 Seeds – Hot, Decorative, Purple Chili Pepper, Ideal for Sauces and Marinades

🧬 Botanical classification

• Common name: Cayenne Violet

• Scientific name: Capsicum annuum 'Purple Cayenne'

• Family: Solanaceae

• Origin: Selected hybrid, derived from the classic Cayenne variety, but with unique ornamental and chromatic characteristics.

🌿 Characteristics of the plant

• Type: Annual plant in temperate climates, perennial in warm climates

• Height: 50–70 cm

• Habit: Erect, with thin but robust stems

• Leaves: Green, lanceolate, slightly wavy at the edges

• Flowering: Small, white flowers, single or in pairs

🌈 Fruits

• Shape: Elongated and tapered, classic "cayenne" shape

• Size: 10–15 cm long, 1–1.5 cm diameter

• Ripe color:

  • Immature: Dark purple / bright purple

  • Intermediate ripening: shades of red, brown, orange

  • Ripe: Bright red

• Surface: Smooth and shiny

• Flesh: Thin, with white or cream seeds

🌶️ Spiciness

• Scoville Scale (SHU): 30,000 – 50,000

  • Comparable to classic Cayenne, but may have slightly fruitier or earthier notes, depending on maturation.

• Taste:

  • Immature (purple): slightly more herbaceous and less pungent

  • Ripe (red): full, decisive flavour, with dry but not explosive spiciness

☀️ Cultivation

• Climate: It loves heat, but is also suitable for temperate zones if grown in a pot and sheltered in autumn

• Exposure: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day)

• Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter, slightly acidic

• Watering: Regular but moderate; it fears water stagnation.

• Pruning: Not necessary, but it may be useful to top the plant to encourage branching.

• Vegetative cycle:

  • Sowing: February–April (in seedbed)

  • Transplanting: After the risk of frost

  • Harvest: From July to October, as the fruits ripen

🧑🍳 Use in the kitchen

• Excellent fresh , dried or in oil

• Perfect for:

  • Hot sauces

  • Chili powders

  • Condiments for first courses or meats

• The purple appearance also makes it very decorative in dishes , especially when used fresh

🌺 Curiosity

• The purple pigmentation is due to the high concentration of anthocyanins , natural antioxidants.

• It is also often grown as an ornamental chilli pepper , thanks to the contrast between its green leaves and purple/red fruits.