Sweet Pepper Seeds - California Wonder Yellow

The California Wonder Yellow pepper is a bright, vibrant variety known for its sweet, mild flavor and thick, crisp flesh. This heirloom pepper is an early-season producer, offering gardeners a rewarding and bountiful harvest. With its bold color and delicious taste, it’s perfect for both fresh consumption and cooked dishes. Whether used in salads, stuffed, or roasted, the California Wonder Yellow adds a delightful touch to any meal.

Key Benefits

• Sweet, Mild Flavor: Known for its excellent sweetness with a mild, non-bitter taste.
• Vibrant Yellow Color: The peppers mature to a bright yellow, adding a pop of color to your garden and kitchen.
• Thick, Crisp Flesh: The flesh of the peppers is thick and crunchy, ideal for stuffing or slicing.
• Early Maturity: These peppers mature relatively quickly, allowing for an earlier harvest.
• High Yield: California Wonder Yellow peppers produce a large harvest, making them a great option for gardeners looking to grow a plentiful crop.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact plants that grow to about 18–24 inches tall, making them suitable for small gardens or containers.
• Fruit Profile: The peppers are large, blocky, and thick-walled, turning from green to a vibrant yellow when ripe.
• Maturity: Typically ready for harvest in 70–80 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Heat Level: Sweet, with no heat, perfect for those who prefer mild peppers.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outside after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.
• Ideal for growing in temperatures between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for ample growth and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is best for optimal growth and fruit production.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry periods.
• Ensure the soil drains well to avoid root rot.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again when the plants begin to flower. A fertilizer with a higher potassium content will help the peppers develop thicker walls and better flavor.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the base of the plants to minimize competition for nutrients.
• Use mulch around the plants to retain moisture, keep the soil cool, and reduce weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use organic insecticidal soap if needed.
• Diseases: California Wonder Yellow is generally resistant to most pepper diseases, but good garden hygiene and crop rotation are recommended to prevent issues like fungal diseases.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Harvest the peppers when they reach full size and turn bright yellow. The peppers should be firm and glossy when ripe.

How to Harvest

• Use garden scissors or shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.

Storage

• Fresh Storage: Store fresh peppers in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, slice and freeze the peppers.
• Canning: Peppers can be pickled or canned for preservation.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Slice the sweet, crisp peppers for fresh salads, providing a burst of color and mild flavor.
• Stuffed Peppers: The thick walls make the California Wonder Yellow perfect for stuffing with meats, rice, or vegetables.
• Grilled or Roasted: Roast or grill peppers for a smoky, sweet flavor that pairs well with meats or vegetables.
• Salsa and Sauces: Add to fresh salsas or cook into sauces for a mild, sweet pepper flavor.

Conclusion

The California Wonder Yellow pepper is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow a sweet, mild pepper with a striking color. Its ease of growth, high yield, and versatility in the kitchen make it a great addition to any garden. Whether you're making salads, salsas, or stuffed peppers, these bright yellow beauties are sure to impress.