California Wonder Pepper: The Classic Sweet Bell Pepper for Home Gardens
California Wonder is a time-tested heirloom sweet bell pepper, first introduced in 1928. This versatile variety matures in about 75 days from transplanting, producing large, blocky fruits that are perfect for stuffing, slicing, or eating fresh. With its thick walls and crisp texture, California Wonder has become a staple in gardens and kitchens across America.
Home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike appreciate California Wonder for its mild, sweet flavor and impressive nutritional profile. These peppers are packed with vitamins A and C, making them a healthy addition to any meal. The fruits start green and ripen to a vibrant red, allowing for harvests at multiple stages of maturity. Their large size, typically 4 inches long and 3-4 inches wide, makes them ideal for a variety of culinary applications.
California Wonder plants grow to a manageable height of 18-24 inches, with a similar spread, making them suitable for both in-ground gardens and container growing. The plants are known for their productivity, yielding an abundance of peppers throughout the growing season. For best results, harvest green peppers regularly to encourage continued production, or leave some on the plant to ripen to red for a sweeter flavor profile.
Growing Success Tips:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date
- Transplant outdoors when soil temperatures reach 65°F (18°C)
- Provide full sun and well-draining, fertile soil
- Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged
California Wonder peppers offer an excellent return on investment for home gardeners, providing a bountiful harvest of versatile, nutritious fruits. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this reliable variety is sure to become a favorite in your vegetable patch.
For an extended harvest season, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks.
Product Features
- Heirloom variety introduced in 1928
- Fruits measure 4 inches long and 3-4 inches wide
- Thick walls ideal for stuffing and cooking
- Ripens from green to red
- Days to maturity: 75 from transplant
- Plant spacing: 18-24 inches apart
- Soil pH: 6.0-6.8
- Germination temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
Key Benefits
- High in vitamins A and C
- Versatile for various culinary uses
- Suitable for container gardening
- Prolific yielder throughout the season
