Grown Bell Pepper 'California Wonder'?

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Bell Pepper 'California Wonder' — Peppers

75-85days to harvest

10-14days to germinate

Z4–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant when soil temperature reaches 65°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam with good organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-6.8
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 1-3 feet
Season: Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Green maturing to red
Size: 4-5 inches long, 3-4 inches wide
Shape: Blocky, square-shouldered bell shape with 3-4 lobes
Flavour: Sweet, mild, and crisp with no heat

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, stuffing, roasting, grilling, stir-fries, salads, and preserving

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, pepper weevil, flea beetles, hornworms
Diseases: Bacterial spot, anthracnose, blossom end rot, pepper mosaic virus
Resistance: Moderate resistance to tobacco mosaic virus

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
2	April – May	June – July	—	September
3	April	June – July	—	September – October
4	March – April	June	—	August – October
5	March	May – June	—	August – October
6	March	May – June	—	August – October
7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
8	February	April – May	—	July – September
9	January	March – April	—	June – August
10	January	February – March	—	May – July
11	January	January – February	—	April – June
12	January	January – February	—	April – June
13	January	January – February	—	April – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving pepper flavor

TomatoesShare similar growing conditions and can help confuse pests through companion diversity

MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with their strong scent

OreganoDeters cucumber beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

CarrotsHelp break up soil around pepper roots and don't compete for nutrients

OnionsRepel aphids, thrips, and other pests with their sulfur compounds

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing them away from peppers

ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control pepper pests

Avoid

Black Walnut TreesProduce juglone toxin that inhibits pepper growth and can cause wilting

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that stunt growth of peppers and most vegetables

BrassicasCompete heavily for nutrients and can inhibit pepper growth through root competition

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g): 0.715
Fat (g): 0.106
Carbohydrate (g): 4.78
Fibre (g): 0.942
Vitamin C (mg): 99.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.247
Folate (µg): 22.2
Calcium (mg): 7.5
Iron (mg): 0.186
Magnesium (mg): 9
Phosphorus (mg): 16.8
Potassium (mg): 163
Zinc (mg): 0.126
Selenium (µg): 0

← PreviousSurefire Red Next →Jalapeño 'Early Jalapeño'

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the peppers growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Bell Pepper 'California Wonder'?

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