Capsicum annuum
Overview
Uses: Bell pepper production
Benefits: Easy to grow. Produces 4" thick-walled, delicious fruit. High yielding.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 12
Sun: Full
Life Cycle: Annual
Mature Height: 24"
Mature Width: 12"
Bloom Season: Summer
Summary
The California Wonder Bell Pepper, often referred to simply as "Cal Wonder", is one of more popular and better performing varieties of heirloom bell pepper plants.
It's best known for its thick-walled fruit and heavy fruit, as well as its sweet, delicious taste.
The fruit is large, blocky, and thick-walled. This makes them one of the best types of peppers for stuffing. They're also great when sliced and used in any cooking application that requires bell peppers.
Care
Bell Pepper Plant Care
Provide at least 8 hours of full sun daily. 10+ hours is better.
Flower development will occur mid to late summer. Some flowers may be pinched to encourage a bushy plant. Flowers will eventually turn into peppers.
Water regularly after planting or repotting, keeping soil moist but not wet until the plant is established. We suggest attempting to make sure your bell pepper plant gets about 1" of water every week during periods of growth.
California Wonder Bell Pepper Plants may be harvested early, while the fruit is still green. One may also wait until the fruit is fully matured and red, prior to harvesting. Early harvesting will increase overall yields. Waiting until the pepper is fully ripe and red will result in a sweeter, more flavorful pepper.
This plant, like all peppers, is an excellent companion for cucumber!
Plant 24" apart.
Planting with tomatoes will repel many pests and attract beneficial insects to your tomato plants.
Do not allow prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F. Will die if exposed to frost. Often stunted by any temperatures below 60°F. Does best in temperatures above 65°F and below 95°F.
Size
Size of Bell Pepper Plants for Sale
The Bell Pepper plants that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.
Size of Bell Pepper Plant When Fully Grown
Cal Wonder Bell Pepper plant grows to a size of around 24" tall and 18" wide.
Additional Information
Botanical Name of Bell Pepper
Toxicity and Risks of Bell Peppers
Bell pepper plants have parts that are considered toxic. They're members of the nightshade family, and produce toxic alkaloids.
These toxic alkaloids are most present in the unripe fruit, the stem, and the leaves of a pepper plant.
These parts of the plant may cause injury to a person or pet if consumed in high doses.
