Pepper – Red Bell California Wonder

Cultivated since the late 1920s, the Calwonder bell pepper variety produces 4-lobed fruits with smooth skin and thick, juicy flesh. They can be harvested young or allowed to develop to maturity (10 cm long and 10 cm wide) before being eaten green (for a slightly more bitter taste) or red (for a sweeter taste).

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

depth of sowing: 5 mm

optimal temperatures of germination: 25 to 30ºC

time for germination: 10 to 21 days

When to sow:

indoor sowing 8 to 10 weeks before the last date in your area

Sowing technique: in pots

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced about 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants. Transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden.

Transplant outdoors:

After any risk of frost, when the soil is warmed and the average nighttime temperature stays above 12 ºC

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 30 to 45 cm

between rows: 45 to 60 cm

Height of the plants: 60 to 75 cm

Soil: rich and well drained

Water: regular watering

Exposure: full sun

Days to harvest (after transplanting): 65 days (green), 75 days (red)

Specificity:

pinch with fingers the first flowers to make the plant more robust and to stimulate the production of leaves that will protect the fruits from the sun burn in summer

pot culture possible

QUICK STATS

Number of seeds: ±50

Difficulty: Medium

Type: Heirloom / Open pollinated

Lifecycle:Annual

Additional information

Weight            0.1 g

Difficulty         

Medium

Sowing          

Indoor

Lifecycle        

Annual

Root cellar     

No

Sowing season        

Winter, Spring