Pepper - California Wonder Bell

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
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per item
Approximately 165 seeds per gram.
Capsicum annuum
Lot# PS31400
California Wonder Bell Pepper was introduced in 1928 and has become the standard for bell peppers. California Wonder Bell Peppers grow on a sturdy compact plant that grows upright on a solid bush type habit that can reach as tall as 45-61 cm (18-24") in height with a spread that reaches 40-45 cm (14-18”) wide. We provide additional support for most of our pepper plants, especially if they are prolific producers like California Wonder Bell.  Plant produces heavy yields of peppers that are 10 cm (4”) long by 9 cm (3½”) wide.  Peppers are blocky, with 3-4 lobes, smooth skinned, thick walled and sweet.  They begin green, but with enough heat they will turn a brilliant red.
Planting Instructions:   
  • Start indoors 6-10 weeks (March – April) before your last spring frost.  Sow 4-5 seeds 6 mm (¼”) deep in 10 cm (4”) pots and cover lightly with soil medium and keep soil moist but not too wet.  We keep under lights at a temperature of 26.7-29˚C (80-85˚F).  Germination rates can vary drastically from 10 days to 21 days. Thin seedlings to 2-3 per pot.  Once seedlings develop their second set of true leaves, prune the first set of true leaves. Pruning the leaves forces secondary growth and creates a bushier plant. We do this on several leaf sets.  If seedlings become too leggy, place them in a cooler location.  This will slow them down and make their stems thicker.  Transplant seedlings when soil has warmed up to 15.6-18˚C (60-65˚F).  Plant transplants 45-61 cm (18-24”) apart in rows 61-76 cm (24-30”) apart. 
  • Note:  Peat pots are not recommended for germinating peppers.  The pH may be too high and peat pots retain a lot of water that may drown the seeds.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose and well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 5.5-6.8 
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 6 mm (¼) deep. 
  • Germination:  8-21 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  Plants reach 40-61 cm (16-24") tall.  Compact bush habit. Spread can be 40-45 cm (16-18”) wide.
  • Days to Maturity:    73-85 days.
  • Watering:  Peppers require about 2.5 cm (1”) of water per week. Allow water to completely soak the soil 15-20 cm (6-8”) deep. This will ensure good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single hills or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week will help supplement how much you should water your garden.  Soil should remain moist. 
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun     
  • Spacing after Thinning: Plant transplants 45-61 cm (18-24”) apart in rows 61-76 cm (24-30”) apart.
Additional Information
California Wonder Bell Peppers are a thick walled, sweet and flavorful pepper.  They make a great stuffing pepper and of course they are great for stir fries and salads.  When peppers are done growing they will pull off the plant very easily. If they don't come off easily they are still growing. Slice peppers up and freeze them in a container for use as fresh peppers on pizza, soups and salads or use a dehydrator and dry them.  We freeze and dry all our peppers for a variety of uses.    Use a good pair of scissors to cut the peppers from the bush.  Picking them off usually will result in breaking off branches. To prolong a pepper harvest, cut peppers from the plant regularly.