How to Grow Cayenne 'Ring of Fire' from Seed
Cayenne with the problems of a British summer bred out: earlier ripening, a compact 45cm plant, and thin pods that dry fast.
Ring of Fire is standard cayenne with the specific problems of a British summer bred out of it. Heritage cayennes were selected where the season runs long and hot, and dropped into a Norfolk garden they sit stubbornly green into October. Ring of Fire ripens around 80 days from transplant rather than 90-plus, which means usable red pods from August in most years.
It is also a smaller plant: a compact 45cm that fits a 25cm pot, needs no staking, and still crops heavily. The thin walls dry fast and cleanly for home-ground cayenne, chilli flakes or a kitchen ristra.
Species
Capsicum annuum
Heat
30,000 to 85,000 SHU
Sow
January to March
Harvest
August to October
Plant Height
Compact, 45cm
Difficulty
Full growing method
Ring of Fire is grown like every other Capsicum annuum. Our species guide covers sowing, potting on, feeding and problems step by step.
Read the Capsicum annuum guide →About this Variety
The fruit
Classic cayenne shape, pencil-thin, 10 to 12cm, slightly twisted and thin-walled.
Early ripening
Around 80 days from transplant, giving red pods from August in most British summers.
A note on heat
American sources say 30,000 to 50,000 SHU; UK growers under glass report 50,000 to 85,000. Expect it to run hotter than standard cayenne here.
The plant
A compact 45cm that fits a 25cm pot and needs no staking.
Handling
Wear gloves when cutting, deseeding or grinding, and keep your hands away from your eyes and face.
Sowing & Harvest Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌱 Sow under cover | ||||||||||||
| 🪴 Final pots | ||||||||||||
| 🌶️ Harvest |
Variety Specifications
Cayenne built for British summers
Sow early, grow it in a pot, and dry strings of red pods from August.
Shop Ring of Fire Seeds →