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Product Details
Product Details
An old-time favorite since 1928 for good reason! 'California Wonder's' large, uniform shape makes it ideal for stuffing. Delicious grilled, they are perfect for shish kabobs. Peppers left on the plant will turn a beautiful, bright red, and have more vitamin C than an orange! Good container variety, and dependable performer even in short season climates.
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- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 75 days from transplanting
Family: Solanaceae
Type: Sweet Pepper (Learn more)
Native: Americas
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive perennial grown as an annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 18"–30" tall, 12"–18" wide
Variety Info: 4" long, 3"–3 ½" wide, blocky shape, thick flesh. The immature green pepper is commonly called "green bell." If left on the plant to mature, it turns to a rich red, commonly referred to as "red bell," and is sweeter and milder than the green one.
Attributes: Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: For Mild Climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after average last frost, when soil temperature is at least 70°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F. Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F, and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mild Climates: May be sown in late summer for fall/winter crop.
Sprouts in: 10–25 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): ¼"
Space Seeds: Start indoors
Row Spacing: 24"–36"
Thinning: Start indoors, plant seedlings 18"–24" apart outside
Growing Info
Harvesting: Peppers can be harvested green or left on the vine to mature to bright red and very sweet.
- MeghanVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsAug 23, 2026Growing well
This is my first year gardening and these peppers are doing really well! I had great germination and they were probably the easiest plants I grew from seed. They’re producing tons of peppers, and they’re all just starting to turn red. I have a few that are turning yellow too, not sure if they’re supposed to but I’m happy anyway.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerEGEpic GardeningAug 24, 2026Hey Meghan,
We're so stoked to hear that your California Wonder Sweet Peppers have been such a fantastic success for your first year gardening! It's awesome that you had great germination and found them to be some of the easiest plants to grow from seed. And how cool that they're producing tons of peppers and starting to turn red! Thanks so much for being part of the growing community! Keep on growing 🌻
- HannahVerified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 starsAug 3, 2025Banana peppers
I got nice plants from my 2025 packet of "California wonder sweet pepper" seeds.
Unfortunately the peppers they are producing are banana peppers.
Very disappointing.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningAug 4, 2025Hey Hannah,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Ainsley V.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsMay 1, 20245 Stars
These have grown well and strong! I have so many of them I had to give some away! Can’t wait to try the peppers
- Katie S.Rated 5 out of 5 starsAug 12, 20235 Stars
Grew beautiful and healthy, germinated and thrived despite my wanting to grow them at an odd time of year. They have handled their full day of direct intense florida sun in these record breaking weeks like champs!
- Priscilla D. G.CA, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsApr 11, 2026Very easy to grow
Perfect for the summer, with all meals, and great to grow
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised Bed
