When To Harvest Cayenne Peppers. Cayenne peppers will be ready to harvest in about 70-80 days. Overly dry or overly moist soil will cause the leaves to yellow and the fruit production to slow.
The most common cayenne peppers will ripen to a bright vibrant red colorThis is the best indicator that it is time to pick cayenne peppers. Once the skin of the pepper is firm and waxy its good to pick. Step 2 Cut Dont Pick.
Nonetheless cutting your peppers free with a small tool or shears is better for the plants overall health.
There are many varieties of cayenne pepper but most have the same characteristics. Ripe peppers will generally be red around 4-6 inches long have a waxy skin and be firm to the touch. They are native to tropical and subtropical climates so its no wonder that they require a long growing season and lots of full sunlight exposure. Overripe specimens that are soft will not be edible and although you can eat the peppers when they are still green they wont have such a pleasant or intense flavor.
