California Wonder

Pepper

Zone 10a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of California Wonder

🌱 75d to harvest Upright

Sun-warmed sweetness leads the way with California Wonder—crisp, thick-walled bell peppers that ripen to a glossy, deep red with …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 21st
Last Frost	Jan 16th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 13th
Harvest Begins	May 27th
Harvest Ends	Dec 19th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease for Capsicum annuum (California Wonder) and how can I stop it?

Look out for aphids and thrips, which can cause curled leaves and spread viruses in pepper (Capsicum annuum). Rinse plants with a strong water spray, then apply insecticidal soap to the undersides of leaves and repeat every 5–7 days for 2–3 rounds. If you see stem lesions, wilting, or fruit rot, remove affected plants/fruits and avoid wetting foliage to reduce fungal spread.

How often should I water California Wonder peppers during the main growing phase?

During active flowering and fruit set, keep the root zone evenly moist with about 1–2 inches of water per week, split into 2–3 deep waterings if it’s hot or windy. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry; peppers that dry out too much may drop flowers and set poorly. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, but don’t let soil stay soggy—poor drainage invites root diseases.

How do I tell when California Wonder peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest after about 75 days from transplanting when the fruit reaches full size and feels firm and glossy. “California Wonder” is often picked green, but if you want more sweetness, leave pods on the plant until they turn red. Use a sharp pruner and cut the pepper from the plant with a short stem to avoid tearing branches.

Sun-warmed sweetness leads the way with California Wonder—crisp, thick-walled bell peppers that ripen to a glossy, deep red with a satisfying snap and clean, garden-fresh flavor. Plants are sturdy and productive, producing large, blocky fruits with a smooth, lantern-like silhouette that shines in the bed. Ideal for roasting, fresh slicing, and vibrant sauces, these peppers bring bold color and gentle heat to every harvest basket.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Transplant only when soil is reliably warm (≥60°F) and nighttime temps stay near 50°F+ to prevent cold-stall; keep plants evenly watered for thick walls.