California Wonder Pepper: The Classic Sweet Bell Pepper for Home Gardens

California Wonder is a time-honored heirloom variety that has been delighting gardeners and cooks since 1928. This large, blocky pepper matures in 68-80 days, producing thick-walled fruits that are perfect for stuffing, roasting, or eating fresh. With its reliable performance and versatile uses, it’s no wonder this pepper has remained one of the most popular varieties for nearly a century.

The California Wonder pepper boasts an impressive size, typically reaching 4 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. Its thick, crisp flesh is sweet and mild, making it ideal for a wide range of culinary applications. Whether you’re looking to add crunch to your salads, create colorful stir-fries, or prepare classic stuffed peppers, this variety delivers consistent quality and flavor. As an added bonus, these peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, contributing to a nutritious diet.

Plants grow to a manageable height of 24-30 inches, making them suitable for both garden beds and large containers. Each plant can produce multiple peppers throughout the growing season, ensuring a bountiful harvest. The peppers start green and, if left on the plant, will eventually ripen to a vibrant red, becoming even sweeter in the process. This color transformation not only adds visual interest to your garden but also allows for harvesting at different stages to suit your culinary needs.

Growing Success Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date for a head start
• Provide full sun and well-draining, fertile soil for optimal growth
• Water consistently, especially during fruit set and development
• Support plants with stakes or cages to prevent breakage when heavy with fruit

California Wonder peppers are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Their reliability, productivity, and classic flavor make them a staple in vegetable gardens across the country. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them fresh from the garden, preserve them for winter use, or share your bounty with friends and neighbors, these peppers are sure to impress.

For an extended harvest, pick peppers regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.

Product Features

• Heirloom variety introduced in 1928
• Large, blocky fruits measuring 4″ x 3-4″
• Thick-walled, crisp, and sweet flesh
• Matures from green to red if left on plant

Growing Information

• Days to maturity: 68-80 from transplant
• Plant spacing: 18-24 inches apart
• Sunlight requirement: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Soil type: Rich, well-draining soil
• Water needs: Consistent moisture

Key Benefits

• Versatile for cooking: great for stuffing, roasting, or fresh eating
• High in vitamins A and C
• Productive plants with multiple harvests per season
• Suitable for container gardening