v

Cayenne
Classic Fiery Staple

Cayenne Chilli Plug Plant

Cayenne Chilli Plug Plant

A fiery classic, bold and bright: Heat Level: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

The Cayenne, Ring of Fire chilli is a classic and iconic variety, known for its long, red, and tapered pods. Originating from Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana in South America, this chilli has a storied history and remains a favorite among chilli enthusiasts worldwide.

Over time, many hybrids of the Cayenne have been developed, but the Ring of Fire variety is especially notable for its robust heat and distinctive flavour profile. With a Scoville rating of around 30,000 SHU, it delivers a sharp, spicy kick that's perfect for a wide range of culinary uses.

These chillies are not just about their heat; they offer a complex and slightly fruity flavour that enhances dishes from salsas to stir-fries. The Cayenne, Ring of Fire is also known for its ease of cultivation and cold tolerance, making it a great choice for growers in cooler climates.

It thrives in both greenhouses and on sheltered patios, producing mature pods quickly—often within just 60 days from transplanting. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, this chilli plant is a reliable and rewarding addition to any garden.

Additional Information

Species: Capsicum annuum

Heat Level: Moderate – typically around 30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Delivers a clean, sharp burn without overpowering.

Vigorous Growth: Compact and sturdy, with good branching and a reliable yield. Tolerates cooler conditions better than most, making it a great choice for UK growers.

Fruit Appearance: Long, slender, tapered pods around 10–12 cm in length. Ripen from green to a classic bright red.

Flavour Profile: Sharp, spicy, with a faint fruitiness behind the heat. A true all-rounder for seasoning and fresh use.

Fruiting Time: Early to fruit – typically ready around 60 days from transplanting, with a steady crop throughout the season.

Uses: Ideal for drying and grinding into cayenne powder, but also excellent fresh in sauces, stir-fries and salsas. Traditional in both cooking and home remedies.

Growing Conditions: Thrives in well-drained soil with regular watering. Suitable for pots, beds, greenhouses, or outdoor growing in sheltered spots.

How to Grow Chillies: My free 28-page booklet, "How to Grow Chillies," is included with every plant order to help you achieve a successful harvest.

Coir Blocks

Classic Hots

Record-breakers

Cooks' Collection


World of Chillies was set up by Sarah Hunt in 2011 to promote chilli growing and the enjoyment of everything hot and spicy.

UK Company No. 07860204.
VAT reg. 223126942

1. Easy to Grow: Some chillies are just a joy to grow — compact, reliable, and happy in a pot (5). Others shoot off in all directions or sulk at the first sign of wind (1). I’ve given higher scores to the ones that do well here in the UK.

2. Ornamental Quality: A few of these are real show-offs, with pods that look like jewels or dramatic foliage that turns heads. Others are more practical than pretty. This score is just about how good they look on the patio or in the greenhouse.

3. Heat Level: This isn’t a technical SHU score — it’s just a kitchen-friendly 1 to 5. A 1 means very mild (like a jalapeño), a 5 is properly hot (think Bhut Jolokia). It should help you judge what you’re in for!

4. Hardiness: How well do they cope with our unpredictable summers? I’ve given higher scores to the tough ones that keep going through cool nights, wind, or patchy weather without much fuss.

5. Culinary Use: This one’s about how often I actually use them. Some are perfect for pickling, stuffing or powders — others look good but don’t end up in many meals. If it’s flavourful and versatile, it scores high.

Hover or touch to pause carousel