California Wonder Pepper

Growing Instructions

California Wonder peppers thrive in warm, sunny conditions and rich, well-drained soil. If transplanting, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, and transplant seedlings outside once nights stay above 55°F (after all danger of frost). If direct sowing, wait until all frost danger has passed and sow seeds 12"-18" apart at a depth of 1/4". Choose a spot with full sun (i.e., at least 6 hours) for best yields. The plants reach about 2 feet in height and have a sturdy, upright habit, though it may help to support them once they are heavy with fruit to prevent branches from bending. Keep soil evenly moist. Peppers like consistent moisture but dislike waterlogged roots. Avoid excessive fertilizer, as too much nitrogen will encourage leaves over peppers.

Harvest, Storage, and Use

California Wonder peppers mature about 70-80 days from transplant and about 90-100 days from planting if direct sowing. You can harvest the fruits when they are firm and green or allow them to fully ripen on the plant to a rich red color for extra sweetness and vitamin C. The skin will be glossy and the walls feel firm to the touch when ready. To harvest, use a sharp tool like pruners or a knife to cut the stem an inch above the pepper.

In the kitchen, chop these peppers fresh into salads, sauté them with onions for fajitas, or stuff and bake them for a classic meal. Their thick, tender walls make them a favorite for stuffing and roasting. Extras can be diced and frozen for winter use, or even pickled.