California Wonder Pepper Seeds – 25 Heirloom Sweet Bell Pepper Seeds (Capsicum annuum)

California Wonder is a classic heirloom sweet bell pepper prized for its thick, crisp walls and mild, sweet flavor. These large, blocky peppers start green and mature to a brilliant red, offering versatility in the kitchen and a vibrant addition to the garden. Whether you enjoy them fresh in salads, stuffed, roasted, or frozen, California Wonder delivers reliable harvests and excellent eating quality.

This open-pollinated variety has been a favorite among home gardeners for generations. The compact, bushy plants set fruit well even in varying conditions, making them a dependable choice for raised beds, containers, or traditional garden rows. With 25 seeds, you have plenty to start a generous planting or share with friends.

Plant Features

• Heirloom, open-pollinated sweet bell pepper
• Large, blocky fruits with thick, crisp walls
• Matures from green to red with a sweet, mild flavor
• Productive plants that perform well in diverse garden settings
• Versatile for fresh eating, stuffing, roasting, and freezing

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
• Plant Type: Annual vegetable (frost-tender perennial in warm climates)
• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in most zones; perennial in zones 9–11
• Days to Maturity: Approximately 70–80 days from transplant (green), 85–95 days (red)
• Spacing: 18–24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in a sterile seed-starting mix and maintain a soil temperature of 75–85°F for best germination, which typically takes 10–21 days. Provide bright light and keep the medium consistently moist but not soggy. Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F.

Set plants in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with compost. Water regularly to keep moisture even, and mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake or cage plants if needed to support heavy fruit loads. Fertilize lightly when plants begin to flower, avoiding excessive nitrogen which can reduce fruit set. Harvest peppers when they reach desired size and color—green for a crisp, mild flavor or red for maximum sweetness.

What's Included

25 California Wonder pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum).