Skip to Content

Why Aren’t My Cayenne Peppers Turning Red – 4 Possibilities

Sharing is caring!

You might have planted these cayenne peppers with high ambitions that they’ll ripe soon, and you’ll get to take advantage of their spicy flavor. These beautiful pepper plants are a little complicated to plant, and you are likely to face some common issues.

So, why aren’t my cayenne peppers turning red, you ask? I’ll list down some of the most common situations which contribute to the color of the pepper.

Let’s get straight to the point!

Why Arent My Cayenne Peppers Turning Red 1
Cayenne’s not ripening – via Reddit

Why Aren’t My Cayenne Peppers Turning Red?

There are four possibilities for why this is happening. The first cause could be that your plant isn’t quite ready to harvest. It’s also possible that your pepper isn’t red. Additionally, it’s possible that the temperature is too hot or too cold. Furthermore, there could be a pest issue.

These are some of the common explanations for why it didn’t turn red. Do you want to know how to make it happen? Good! Because we’ve got a lengthy part on this below, so have a look!

1. They Might Not Be Fully Ripe Yet

This is a common mistake when growing cayenne peppers for the first time. You may have planted your plant according to the instructions.

It’s possible that the time term on your packaging is roughly 6 weeks. However, this is not the case. What I mean is that your pepper will mature after the six-week period. But only enough for you to eat it.

How Long Will It Take For The Red To Appear?

Cayenne peppers require a long time to mature and fully ripen. After growing, it will take another 2-3 weeks for the green pepper to turn color. It will change color from green to yellow, then crimson.

As a result, you must be patient. It will take more than 3 weeks for your pepper to ripen if it is huge. As a result, give it another week or two to observe the results.

However, if you want them to change color quickly, use an alternative option the next time. Those with a diameter of 2-5 inches and a length of 2-6 inches are usually the best!

2. Your Pepper Is Of The Green Variety

Another reason your pepper isn’t turning red could be because of this. Even if you’ve been waiting for more than two weeks after the deadline has passed.

It’s possible that the pepper you’re using will never turn red. Your plant, on the other hand, is in perfect condition. It’s just one of the varieties, and even once it’s ripe, it’s still green. Some of them change color to yellow, orange, dark brown, and other hues.

What Can You Do With Different Pepper Varieties?

For the time being, you can use green cayenne peppers. Choose plants that will turn crimson when you’re replanting. Make sure to request the red variety from your merchant. Alternatively, look at the packaging.

Cayenne boy, lipstick, gypsy, and lady cayenne seeds are available for purchase. Once ripe, these types will undoubtedly turn crimson. These are some fantastic red pepper kinds to pick from. Your garden will be brimming with red peppers if you use these seeds. That is undeniable!

Why Arent My Cayenne Peppers Turning Red 2
My cayenne peppers are huge but aren’t turning red – via Reddit

3. The Temperature May Be Incorrect

These plants are very particular about the conditions in which they thrive. As a result, your temperature must be warm in order for the plant to mature properly.

The humidity also aids in the plant’s color shift. The plant may struggle to change color if the weather is too chilly.

What Is The Ideal Temperature For This Plant?

When the temperature is high, these plants thrive. During the day, a temperature of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.

The plant may be harmed if the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant may even shed its blossoms, resulting in yellow leaves. It’s possible that it won’t have a chance to grow.

Furthermore, plants will be harmed if the temperature exceeds 90 degrees. As a result, you should plant your pepper 12-16 weeks before the first frost date. Maintain a steady temperature with your heating system if you’re growing the plants indoors.

The temperature will be ideal in this manner. It’ll ripen into lovely red peppers throughout time!

4. It’s Possible That You Have a Pest Infestation

The pepper turns from green to yellow to red as it matures. However, if your pepper is stained and yellowed in spots, you may have an aphid infestation.

These pests eat the juices from the leaves. This explains why your plant appears to be discolored. Furthermore, these aphids have the potential to destroy your plant.

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Pests?

To keep these aphids at bay, apply insecticidal oil or soap. Simply saturate both sides of the leaves with either and spray it down.

Additionally, invite some aphid-eating bugs into your garden. Lacewing larvae, soldier beetles, parasitic wasps, and lady beetles are all possible culprits.

These are the most common reasons why your plant isn’t turning red. As a result, follow these guidelines to take proper care of your plant.

5. Some Other Common Questions

What Is The Healthiest Hue Of Cayenne Pepper?

Out of all of them, the red one is the healthiest. This is due to the fact that they are the ones who stay on the vine the longest. These have 1.5 times the vitamin C content of green peppers. They also have 11 times the amount of beta-carotene.

What Causes My Cayenne Peppers To Be So Small?

Your cayenne peppers are probably very little because you didn’t take adequate care of them. It’s possible that they aren’t getting enough water. It’s also possible that the climate in your area is impacting them. It’s also possible that the manner you plant your peppers is a factor.


Conclusion

I hope your urgent question of why aren’t my cayenne peppers turning red is answered with this article.

Take good care of your plants and wait it out, and you’re guaranteed to see positive results in your plant.