Red Rocket Pepper seeds produce a cayenne-type hot pepper prized for its long, slender shape and intense, fiery heat. Reaching approximately 5 inches in length, the deep crimson fruits ripen from green to a vivid, glossy red and are borne in abundance on upright, vigorous plants. With a heat level that registers between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville units, Red Rocket sits firmly in the hot cayenne range — bold enough to command attention in the kitchen without overwhelming a dish.

Growing Guide

Red Rocket matures in approximately 75 to 80 days from transplant, making it well suited to a long warm season. Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date, sowing ¼ inch deep in warm, moist seed-starting mix. Germination is most reliable at soil temperatures between 75°F and 85°F — a heat mat is strongly recommended. Transplant seedlings outdoors once nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 55°F and all frost risk has passed.

Choose a planting site that receives full sun (6 to 8 hours minimum). Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 24 to 30 inches wide, in well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Consistent moisture during flowering and fruit set will help maximize yield. Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Red Rocket is a reliable performer for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Harvest & Use

Peppers can be harvested green for a sharper, grassier heat, but full flavor and sweetness develop when fruits are allowed to ripen fully to deep red. Pick regularly to encourage continued fruit set throughout the season. The thin-walled flesh makes Red Rocket an exceptional drying pepper — simply thread the ripe fruits on twine and hang in a warm, well-ventilated space for two to three weeks until completely dry. Once dried, they can be ground into a vibrant cayenne powder, crushed into chili flakes, or stored whole for up to two years in an airtight container.

Fresh Red Rocket peppers are excellent sliced into salsas, hot sauces, stir-fries, and marinades. Roasting deepens their sweetness and tempers the heat slightly. The prolific yield means a single planting typically provides more than enough for both fresh use and a full pantry's worth of dried peppers for the winter months.

A dependable, high-output hot pepper with genuine versatility in the kitchen and the drying rack — Red Rocket earns its place in any serious pepper grower's garden.