California Wonder: The Classic Sweet Bell Pepper for Home Gardens

Discover the timeless appeal of California Wonder, a beloved heirloom bell pepper variety that has been delighting gardeners since its introduction in 1928[1][2]. This large, blocky pepper matures in 68-80 days, producing thick-walled fruits that are perfect for stuffing, grilling, or enjoying fresh[1][3]. With its reliable performance and versatile uses, California Wonder has rightfully earned its place as one of the most popular pepper varieties among home gardeners and small-scale farmers alike.

California Wonder peppers offer a multitude of benefits for both culinary enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. The fruits start green and ripen to a vibrant red, growing to an impressive 4 inches long and 3-3.5 inches wide[1]. Their thick, crisp flesh provides a satisfying crunch and mild, sweet flavor that enhances a wide range of dishes. As they mature, these peppers become even sweeter and develop higher levels of vitamin C, surpassing even oranges in their nutritional content[1].

In the garden, California Wonder plants reach a manageable height of 24-30 inches, making them suitable for both in-ground cultivation and container growing[1][3]. When properly spaced at 18 inches apart, these compact bushes produce an abundance of peppers throughout the growing season[3]. The plants’ foliage provides good coverage for the developing fruits, helping to protect them from sunscald and ensuring a bountiful harvest of high-quality peppers[4].

Growing Success Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date for a head start on the season[1].
• Transplant seedlings outdoors when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55°F[1].
• Provide full sun exposure and well-draining, fertile soil for optimal growth[3].
• Water consistently, aiming for 1-2 inches per week to prevent blossom end rot[3].

California Wonder peppers are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a reliable, productive, and versatile sweet pepper variety. Their classic bell shape, thick walls, and rich flavor make them ideal for both fresh eating and cooking applications. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these peppers will reward you with a bountiful harvest and endless culinary possibilities.

Tip: For an extended harvest, pick some peppers green and leave others on the plant to ripen to red, maximizing your yield and flavor options[1].

Product Features:

• Heirloom variety introduced in 1928
• Fruits measure 4″ long and 3-3.5″ wide
• Thick-walled, blocky shape ideal for stuffing
• Matures from green to bright red

Growing Information:

• Days to maturity: 68-80 from transplant
• Plant spacing: 18 inches
• Height: 24-30 inches
• Full sun exposure required
• Suitable for container growing

Key Benefits:

• Versatile use in cooking: stuffing, grilling, fresh eating
• High in vitamin C, especially when fully ripe
• Reliable producer even in short-season climates
• Classic bell pepper flavor and appearance

Citations: [1] https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/california-wonder-sweet-pepper-seeds [2] https://inheritedseeds.com/products/bell-pepper-california-wonder-extra-large [3] https://plantaddicts.com/california-wonder-pepper/ [4] https://www.smartgardener.com/plants/1172-peppers-california-wonder/overview [5] https://www.harvesting-history.com/product/california-wonder/ [6] https://www.phytotheca.com/phytotheca/pepper-sweet-california-wonder-bell/ [7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZdBQeobYEQ [8] http://www.heirloom-organics.com/guide/va/1/guidetogrowingcaliforniawonder.html [9] https://www.pestcontrol.com.ph/products/bell-pepper-california-wonder-4g [10] https://www.tomatofifou.com/en/produit/california-wonder/ [11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ53LeBK-hI [12] http://ezyagric.com/products/c40da24a7d074415a9fe5bbe04aff72f [13] https://www.burpeehomegardens.com/Vegetables/PlantDetails.aspx?plantid=5524&coll=burpeeorganic [14] https://www.growseed.co.uk/vegetables/chilli-and-pepper-seeds/californian-wonder.html [15] https://www.ufseeds.com/product/california-wonder-pepper-seeds/PECW.html [16] https://www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com/products/california-wonder-sweet-pepper-300-tmr [17] https://www.westcoastseeds.com/products/california-wonder-300 [18] https://afrimash.com/shop/afrimash-crop-section/plant-production-and-protection/california-wonder-sweet-pepper-seed-100g/ [19] https://www.burpeehomegardens.com/Vegetables/PlantDetails.aspx?plantid=5524 [20] https://www.diggers.com.au/products/capsicum-californian-wonder-yellow