SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Giant California Wonder

Pepper
Zone 2b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Sink your senses into Giant California Wonder’s glossy, thick-walled bell peppers, where crisp green turns to a rich, warm red as the fruit swells to impressive size. The flesh is satisfyingly firm with a sweet, mild snap, making these peppers a standout for fresh slicing, roasting, and vibrant sauces that showcase their full-bodied flavor. Grow one plant and enjoy a steady harvest of showy, garden-ready bells that look as good as they taste.

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

For best yields, transplant only when nights are reliably warm and the soil is at least ~60°F to avoid stunting.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 20th
Last FrostMay 15th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsJul 10th
Harvest BeginsSep 23rd
Harvest EndsAug 25th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
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

Outdoor planting for Giant California Wonder in Zone 2b typically begins around 2026-07-10. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Giant California Wonder.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 2b, the average last spring frost is around May 15. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Giant California Wonder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Capsicum annuum (Giant California Wonder) and what can I do?
Watch for aphids and hornworms, which can quickly defoliate and damage developing peppers; control aphids with a strong water spray and use hand-removal for hornworms when you spot them. Also monitor for blossom-end rot and leaf spotting—blossom-end rot is driven by irregular watering, so keep soil moisture steady and avoid letting plants dry out between waterings.
How often should I water Giant California Wonder peppers during the main growing phase?
During fruiting, water deeply enough to moisten the root zone, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, aiming for evenly moist (not soggy) soil. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, since water stress can trigger blossom-end rot while consistently wet soil encourages root problems.
How do I know when Giant California Wonder (Capsicum annuum) is ready to harvest?
Harvest at about 75 days when the peppers are full-sized and firm, with a glossy appearance and walls that feel substantial. For the classic mature stage, pick when the fruit turns its final color (often green turning to red), since leaving them on too long can reduce firmness and delay new fruit set.

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

For best yields, transplant only when nights are reliably warm and the soil is at least ~60°F to avoid stunting.

Botanical illustration of Giant California Wonder

Sink your senses into Giant California Wonder’s glossy, thick-walled bell peppers, where crisp green turns to a rich, warm red as the fruit swells to impressive size. The flesh is satisfyingly firm with a sweet, mild snap, making these peppers a standout for fresh slicing, roasting, and vibrant sauces that showcase their full-bodied flavor. Grow one plant and enjoy a steady harvest of showy, garden-ready bells that look as good as they taste.