Cayenne pepper is a type of chili that is famous for its spicy taste. This chili is small in size, so it is also known as the small chili. Cayenne pepper is classified as an annual plant that can live two to three years if cared for properly. Cultivation of cayenne pepper is generally the same as red chili. However, the distance between planting and fertilizing cayenne pepper must be carefully considered so that growth and harvest are maximum.
Cayenne pepper plants can be planted in the lowlands and highlands. However, this plant is more suitable for planting at an altitude of 0 to 500 meters above sea level (masl). Apart from altitude, the conditions of the planting media will also affect the growth of this plant. Cayenne pepper requires loose soil rich in organic matter with a pH between six and seven. Another step in cultivating cayenne pepper is sowing seeds in seedling beds made in a north to south direction. Seedling media is made from a mixture of soil and sterile compost in a 1:1 ratio. The seeds are then sown evenly over the seedling medium, then covered with thin soil, watered, then covered with banana leaves. The banana leaves are opened gradually. After the chili seedlings are approximately seven days old, the chili seedlings are transferred to a container made of banana leaves.
If the land to be planted is classified as dry land, the land must be plowed first by hoeing to a depth of 30 to 40 cm. Then, chunks of soil are crushed and the remains of previous plantings are cleaned so that they do not become a source of disease. After that, make a bed with a width of 1 to 1.2 meters, a height of 40 to 50 cm, and a length according to land conditions. The distance between the beds is made around 40 to 50 cm. If the soil is too acidic, then apply agricultural lime when cultivating the land. Apart from agricultural lime, also apply manure to increase soil fertility.
