Chilli Pepper 'Joes Long Cayenne'

'Joe's Long Cayenne' is a spectacular chilli variety that produces exceptionally long, slender fruits that can reach up to 25cm in length. These peppers transition from green to a brilliant, glossy red when ripe and possess a medium-hot heat level (around 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units). They are excellent for fresh use, but their thin walls make them one of the best varieties for drying and grinding into flakes. In the UK, this variety definitely requires the warmth of a greenhouse or a very sunny south-facing windowsill to thrive and ripen its heavy crop. The plants are quite tall and productive, often needing some support to prevent the branches from snapping under the weight of the chillies. Sowing should happen early (January to March) with bottom heat to ensure a long enough growing season. It is a tender perennial grown as an annual (H2). Regular feeding with a tomato fertilizer once the fruit sets will ensure a bountiful and spicy harvest in late summer.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, well-drained compost.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.