Latin Name: Capsicum annuum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Sweet Pepper, Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 4,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Green

The California Wonder pepper is a very popular vegetable for the home garden because it has a mild, sweet flavor! It grows glossy, deep-green bells about 4" across that turn red at full maturity, which takes about 75 days. This variety grows on upright ever-bearing plants that are 24" tall that are resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus.

California Wonder peppers, introduced in 1928, became the standard for sweet peppers. Many horticultural experts and gardeners used this California Wonder pepper seed in breeding new and superior types of garden pepper, because of its excellent size and production. California Wonder peppers can be found in nearly every grocery store and restaurant in America because of its extensive use in the commercial food market.

GROWING INFORMATION

Sowing:

Start California Wonder pepper seeds indoors in peat pots about 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Plant pepper seeds 1/4" deep and keep the soil at 80-85 degrees F until germination; provide sunlight or a grow light for 12-16 hours a day. When the outdoor temperature reaches 60-65 degrees F during the day and no less than 50 degrees F at night, transplant the seedlings 12-16" apart. Exposing the plants to the weather for several hours a day before transplanting may help prevent shock. Peppers also grow well in containers or raised beds.

Growing:

Keep the soil evenly moist and weeds under control; mulching the plants may help with this. If excess heat and sun cause the plants to wilt, provide shade. California Wonder pepper seeds for planting adapt to many soil types and are resistant to tobacco mosaic virus.

Harvesting:

Harvesting sweet peppers is basically a matter of personal preference regarding color and sweetness. Generally, the longer the peppers mature on the vine, the sweeter they will taste. Mature peppers, however, signal the plant to stop producing; if the peppers are picked when still at the green stage, the plant will go on producing. Always use a knife or scissors to remove peppers to prevent damage to the fragile stems.

Seed Saving:

Keep in mind that peppers will cross pollinate with other varietes of pepper, so isolation or caging may be necessary to preserve genetic purity. Allow the pepper to fully mature, than cut it open and remove the pepper seeds for planting. Spread out the seeds to dry for about two weeks. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to two years.