Sweet Pepper Seeds - Golden Cal Wonder

The Golden Cal Wonder sweet pepper is a classic garden favorite, celebrated for its vibrant yellow color, sweet flavor, and versatility in cooking. These blocky, bell-shaped fruits transition from green to a rich golden hue as they mature, adding beauty and nutrition to any dish. Ideal for fresh eating, stuffing, or grilling, the Golden Cal Wonder is a high-yielding and easy-to-grow variety, perfect for home gardeners and market growers alike.

Key Benefits

• Bright Golden Color: Striking yellow fruits that brighten up gardens and plates.
• Sweet, Mild Flavor: Offers a deliciously sweet taste, perfect for a variety of dishes.
• Thick Walls: Produces robust, crisp fruits ideal for stuffing, roasting, or fresh use.
• High-Yielding: Provides an abundant harvest, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.
• Disease Resistance: Resistant to common pepper diseases, ensuring healthier plants and fruits.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, upright plants growing 18–24 inches tall.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and juicy, with a satisfying crunch.
• Growth Habit: Vigorous and bushy plants with sturdy stems that support heavy fruit loads.
• Size: Produces bell peppers that are 4–5 inches long and wide, with a classic blocky shape.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date.
• Transplant outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F (18°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruiting.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering deeply 1–2 times per week.
• Avoid uneven watering to prevent blossom-end rot.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting and switch to a low-nitrogen formula when fruits set.
• Enrich soil with organic compost for healthier growth and better yields.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weed regularly to avoid competition for nutrients, but take care not to disturb shallow roots.
• Mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for aphids, flea beetles, and whiteflies. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
• Diseases: Resistant to many common pepper diseases but practice crop rotation and avoid overhead watering to minimize risks.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Golden Cal Wonder peppers reach maturity in 70–75 days.
• Harvest when the peppers turn from green to a bright golden yellow for optimal sweetness.

Method

• Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to harvest peppers, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to prolong freshness.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store fresh peppers in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks.
• Long-Term: Freeze chopped or sliced peppers for use in cooked dishes later.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh Eating: Enjoy raw in salads, wraps, or as a crisp snack.
• Stuffed Peppers: Perfect for filling with grains, meats, or vegetarian ingredients.
• Grilling or Roasting: Brings out a smoky sweetness that enhances dishes.
• Stir-Fries: Adds vibrant color and flavor to sautéed dishes.
• Soups and Sauces: Sweetens and enriches savory recipes.

Conclusion

The Golden Cal Wonder sweet pepper is a reliable and flavorful addition to any garden. Its vivid yellow fruits are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, offering a sweet, juicy crunch that complements countless dishes. With its high yields, disease resistance, and ease of growth, this variety is a must-have for gardeners and cooks alike. Whether you enjoy them raw, stuffed, or cooked, Golden Cal Wonder peppers bring color, flavor, and versatility to your table.