Description
| Seeds | 20 seeds $2.95, 100 seeds $6.50 |
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California Wonder Red (Sweet Pepper)
Heritage: California, USA
Lobed Bell Peppers have been in the North American marketplace since the early 1920’s. The California Wonder variety is a result of excellent breeding by California plant geneticist Dr. Carroll Briggs (Asgrow Seed Co., Shamrock Seed, IPB Seed Co.) In the 1970’s California Wonder was introduced with superior growth and eating satisfaction. It also contains the highest amount of Vitamin A and C found in any other type of vegetable or fruit. It quickly became the most common garden pepper.
Prolific everbearing plants grow upright to 30” (75cm) in height producing peppers all summer long. Fruit is large and blocky with 3-4 lobes 4.5” (11.5cm) long, and 3.5” (7.5cm) in diameter. Thick-walls are juicy, sweet and crisp. Flesh is flavourful, with very little pungency compared to other sweet peppers. When ripened to red, sugar content nearly doubles and vitamin C content explodes to almost three times the amount found in a glass of orange juice. The perfect old-fashioned sweet bell pepper for fresh eating, stuffing, or frying! Easy to digest. One of our favourites for dipping in home-made Hummus! Matures in 80-90 days. (130 seeds/g)
Note: This is the Red strain of the Green California Wonder, ripening from a deep glossy green to a bright Crimson Red. In other words, this is a Green Pepper first. You can pick when green and enjoy, and/or wait for the fruit to finish maturing and enjoy as a Red Pepper.
Tips for Growing Perfect Peppers! Peppers require a long, warm/hot growing season. To get a head start in cooler climates, seed should be started indoors, 6-8 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds 1/4” (0.5 cm) deep in sterile pots. Pepper seedlings are not all that hardy, or vigorous so watch for signs of too much water, or disease. As the weather warms, harden-off by setting plants outside for a few hours each day. Transplant outdoors 12-18” (30-45cm) apart only when variable spring weather has stabilized and the temperature has warmed. Provide adequate water and fertilizer and for best results pick the first peppers as soon as they reach edible size. This will help encourage growth and productivity. The most suitable companion plants for Peppers are; carrots, basil, and okra. Depending on the variety, peppers usually germinate within 10-21days (75-95ºF/24-35ºC). Note: Don’t be disappointed. Peppers are a touchy cultivator with lower germination rates than other vegetables.
