Sweet Pepper Seeds - California Wonder

The California Wonder is a classic and widely beloved sweet pepper variety, known for its large, thick-walled fruit and vibrant color. This pepper is a staple in many gardens, offering excellent flavor and texture for both fresh and cooked applications. Whether enjoyed raw in salads, roasted, stuffed, or grilled, California Wonder peppers are a versatile choice for any kitchen. This high-yielding variety thrives in warm climates and is easy to grow, making it perfect for home gardeners.

Key Benefits

• Sweet Flavor: Known for its mild and sweet flavor, perfect for raw or cooked dishes.
• Large Fruit: Produces large, thick-walled peppers that are ideal for stuffing or slicing.
• High Yield: Produces an abundant harvest of peppers, making it great for gardeners looking to grow a lot in a small space.
• Versatile Culinary Use: Ideal for fresh use in salads, sandwiches, or as a topping, as well as for cooking, grilling, or stuffing.
• Cold-Tolerant: Can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a range of growing conditions.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants typically growing 18–24 inches tall, with green foliage and large, blocky peppers.
• Flavor Profile: Mild and sweet, with a crisp texture that is perfect for both raw and cooked applications.
• Growth Habit: Peppers mature from green to red, with each fruit becoming thick and large as it ripens.
• Size: Typically grows 4–6 inches long and 3–4 inches wide, with a thick, crisp texture.

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.
• Best planted in warm weather, with temperatures between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C) for optimal growth.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to provide enough room for airflow and fruit production.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for producing the largest, most flavorful peppers.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Water at the base of the plant to prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can promote disease.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when plants are about 6 inches tall.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around plants to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture.
• Apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles, which can damage the plants. Use insecticidal soap if needed.
• Diseases: Peppers can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as downy mildew and blight. Rotate crops and maintain good garden hygiene to reduce the risk of disease.

Harvesting

Maturity

• The California Wonder peppers are typically ready to harvest 70–90 days after transplanting, once they have turned from green to red.
• For the sweetest flavor, wait until peppers are fully red, though they can be harvested earlier when still green.

Method

• Use scissors or pruning shears to cut peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem intact.
• Handle with care to avoid bruising the peppers, especially when harvesting large fruit.

Storage

• Short-Term: Fresh peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
• Long-Term: To preserve peppers, they can be sliced and frozen, or pickled for long-term storage.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh: Slice and add to salads, sandwiches, and wraps for a mild, crunchy bite.
• Stuffed: The large, thick walls of California Wonder peppers make them ideal for stuffing with rice, cheese, or meat mixtures.
• Grilled or Roasted: Grill or roast peppers for a smoky flavor, perfect as a side dish or in salsas.
• Sautéed: Use in stir-fries or sautéed dishes for a sweet, mild pepper flavor.

Conclusion

California Wonder peppers are a classic choice for gardeners looking to grow sweet, large peppers with versatile culinary uses. Known for their high yield, mild flavor, and large fruit, they are perfect for fresh use or for cooking and stuffing. Easy to grow and adaptable to a range of climates, the California Wonder pepper is an excellent addition to any vegetable garden. Whether you’re growing for fresh salads or preparing dishes with stuffed peppers, this variety is sure to impress.