Sweet Pepper Seeds (Organic) - Golden Cal Wonder

The Golden Cal Wonder pepper is a vibrant, sweet variety that stands out with its bright yellow color and exceptional flavor. This organic pepper is perfect for gardeners who seek a sweet, mild pepper that ripens to a golden hue. Known for its thick flesh and crisp texture, it is a popular choice for fresh eating, salads, or grilling. A reliable and high-yielding pepper, the Golden Cal Wonder is ideal for organic gardens and is sure to brighten up your vegetable patch with both color and taste.

Key Benefits

• Sweet and Mild Flavor: Offers a deliciously sweet and mild taste, perfect for those who enjoy peppers without heat.
• Bright Yellow Color: The peppers mature to a striking golden yellow, adding a splash of color to your garden and plate.
• Thick Flesh: Known for its thick, meaty flesh, making it ideal for grilling, roasting, or stuffing.
• High Yield: Produces a large number of peppers per plant, making it a great choice for gardeners looking to grow a bountiful harvest.
• Organic Growth: Grown without synthetic chemicals, ensuring a healthier, environmentally friendly option for your garden.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Bushy, compact plants that grow 18–24 inches tall, producing high yields of large peppers.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, mild, and fruity, with no heat, making it perfect for those who prefer a non-spicy pepper.
• Growth Habit: Upright, sturdy plants that produce a profusion of large peppers, often harvested in late summer to fall.
• Size: Peppers grow to about 4–5 inches in length, with thick, firm walls that are ideal for slicing or stuffing.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow directly outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
• Prefers warm temperatures, with optimal growth occurring between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to ensure ample air circulation and room for growth.
• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for the best growth and the sweetest peppers.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply, especially during dry spells, to ensure steady growth.
• Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time, and again when plants are about 6 inches tall.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it may promote foliage growth over fruit production.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Use organic mulch, such as straw or compost, to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles, which can damage the plants. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Diseases: Susceptible to fungal diseases like blight and downy mildew. Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to reduce the risk of disease.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Golden Cal Wonder peppers typically take 70–90 days from transplanting to reach maturity.
• Peppers will turn from green to a vibrant yellow when fully ripe, indicating that they are ready for harvest.

Method

• Harvest peppers by cutting them off the plant with scissors or pruning shears, leaving a small portion of the stem intact.
• Be careful not to damage the plant when harvesting, as the peppers can be heavy.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store fresh peppers in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
• Long-Term: For longer storage, peppers can be frozen after blanching or dried to be used in cooking later.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh: Slice and add to salads, sandwiches, or as a crunchy snack.
• Grilled: Grill the peppers whole or sliced for a delicious smoky flavor.
• Stuffed: Perfect for stuffing with a variety of fillings, including rice, cheese, or meats.
• Roasted: Roast peppers and use them in sauces or as a topping for pizzas and pastas.
• Salsas and Sauces: Blend with other fresh ingredients to make sweet and mild salsas or sauces.

Conclusion

The Golden Cal Wonder pepper is a delightful, organic sweet pepper variety that offers a mild, sweet flavor with no heat. It is perfect for gardeners looking to add a flavorful and colorful pepper to their vegetable garden. With its high yield, vibrant golden color, and versatile culinary uses, it’s an excellent choice for fresh eating, grilling, or stuffing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this pepper is sure to thrive in your organic garden, providing both beauty and taste to your harvest.