
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread
Ristra Cayenne II Pepper sets the stage for a mild yet zesty harvest, delivering slender, twisted fruits up to a foot long. Each pepper features thin walls and a gentle level of heat around “2” on the spice scale, suitable for those who want moderate kick without overwhelming fire. These peppers mature from lime green to bold red in about 75 to 90 days, yielding plenty for fresh use, canning, or drying. This variety’s improved canopy promotes heavier production, often enough for a single plant to satisfy most home-cooking needs.
Ristra Cayenne II Pepper Care
Plant outdoors once nights stay reliably above 50°F, using well-drained soil mixed with extra calcium and phosphorus for robust development. Space each pepper 12 to 18 inches apart in a sunny location, and trim any spindly stems if they threaten to topple under fruit weight. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture while deterring weeds. Overly wet or compacted soils can reduce yields, so moderate attention is key to successful growth.
Growing Ristra Cayenne II Pepper
Expect peppers in roughly two to three months after planting, with fruits reaching 9 to 12 inches in length. Provide about two square feet per plant to accommodate root spread and leafy foliage. Start seeds indoors eight weeks before the final spring frost, or directly sow once soils warm, though indoor starts often lead to earlier harvests. Peppers can also be grown indoors if given ample light and consistent warmth.
Growing in containers makes sense when outdoor space is limited, and it simplifies soil management. A pot holding at least three gallons offers enough room for healthy root growth, and repotting might be required as the pepper matures. Frequent checks for water and nutrients in containers encourage a steady yield. Consider placing Ristra Cayenne II Pepper as a “thriller” element in mixed container gardens, where its bold red fruits add a lively touch.
Watering Ristra Cayenne II Pepper
Irrigate thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, aiming for a deep soak without leaving roots in standing water. Adjust frequency based on temperature and rainfall, keeping soil evenly moist for best results.
Feeding Ristra Cayenne II Pepper
Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer every two weeks or so, particularly once buds form. Timely feeding fosters thick-walled peppers and sustained production into late summer.
Ristra Cayenne II Pepper Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 - 11 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 20 - 24 Inches |
Mature Spread: 18 - 22 Inches |
Spacing: 1 - 1.5 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: n/a |
Bloom Period: Late Spring to Summer |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Medium Green |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Bees |
Container Role: Filler |
Uses: Borders, Combinations, Containers, Edging, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Sensory Gardens, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: Burpee |
Common Name: Ristra Cayenne II Pepper |
Other Name(s): Cayenne Pepper |
Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum 'Ristra Cayenne II' |
- SKU:
- RCIPRISTR-GC
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
3.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
~1.42 quarts

Also Known As:
4.25" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.93"H x 4.25"W
Volume:
~1.56 pints

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
~1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
~2.26-3.73 quarts

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
For annuals, houseplants & vegetables, we provide a 30-day warranty to ensure that your plants thrive.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!