SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

California Wonder

Pepper
Zone 1b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add California Wonder to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of California Wonder
75d to harvest

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

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

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.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 75-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 1st
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededStake
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)80
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting California Wonder.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 75-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

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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.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

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.

Botanical illustration of California Wonder

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.