California Wonder Red Sweet Pepper Seeds - (Capsicum annuum)

California Wonder Sweet Red Pepper – Unforgettable Flavor From A Garden Classic

Meet the California Wonder, an heirloom treasure whose fascinating history is as unforgettable as its taste—a sweet pepper that quickly became a benchmark—and is still a garden favorite nearly a century later. Bred in 1928 by a visionary California grower, it was bred to be the ultimate pepper: larger, more uniform, and sweeter than any before. And it delivered. The California Wonder quickly became a kitchen staple, gracing tables across the country with its vibrant color and unmatched versatility. Whether you're enjoying it fresh from the garden, stuffed and baked, or adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes, this pepper never disappoints. Plus, it's packed with vitamin C—even more than an orange! 

Details

This California Wonder pepper plant features a bushy growth habit with sturdy stems and vibrant foliage, reaching a mature height of 18 to 30 inches with a similar spread. The deep green leaves and strong branches create a lush, full plant in the garden. The foliage provides excellent cover, protecting the developing fruit from sunscald—damage caused by excessive exposure to direct sunlight, resulting in white or tan patches on the pepper's skin. But there's more to this pepper than meets the eye. A notable trait is its resistance to the tobacco mosaic virus, a common pepper disease, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. While thriving in heat, this variety also tolerates cooler temperatures better than many bell peppers, broadening its growing window.

Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-12, it is frost-sensitive and prefers warm conditions. For container gardening, use a pot at least 18 inches deep and 24 inches in diameter with good drainage.

The fruit stands out as its most iconic feature: large, blocky bell peppers with thick walls—typically at least ¼ inch thick—and a classic four-lobed shape. They transition from green to a vibrant crimson red when ripe, and interestingly, red fruits contain more vitamin C than an orange. The thick walls and juicy texture contribute to its exceptional flavor, and its prolific nature ensures an abundant supply of peppers perfect for fresh eating, cooking, and preserving. Mature peppers measure 3 to 4 inches long and 3 to 3 ½ inches wide, averaging 6 ounces.

History

In 1928, the California Wonder pepper emerged, thanks to the efforts of C.C. Marse, a California grower and seedsman. He sought to improve upon earlier bell peppers, which were often smaller, less uniform, and had thinner walls. Through careful selection and traditional breeding methods, using open-pollinated plants and meticulously saving seeds from the best performers over generations, he developed the California Wonder as a significant improvement, with a focus on producing larger, more uniform fruit with thick walls and a dependably sweet flavor.

This careful selection ensured that the desired traits were passed down and stabilized, giving us the reliable California Wonder we know today. Its adaptability quickly became evident, thriving in various climates and proving its versatility in both cool and warm weather. Its reliability quickly made it a favorite among gardeners, even in challenging conditions. During WWII, with the rise of Victory Gardens and the focus on home food production, the demand for reliable, easy-to-grow varieties surged, and seed companies marketed it as a "reliable" choice for beginners.

It quickly became a benchmark for bell peppers, widely adopted in home gardens and agriculture, setting the standard for future varieties. And that legacy continues today... It's still sold by major seed companies and prized for its reliability. It's often used as a parent in breeding programs to pass on its disease resistance and contribute to improved yields in new varieties. Truly, the California Wonder persists as a benchmark for taste and garden performance.

Uses

The California Wonder's sweet flavor and thick walls make it easy to look like a genius in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Enjoy the crisp texture and vibrant color of these peppers in salads, on a snack plate with a dip like hummus, or sliced on sandwiches. These peppers are delicious when stuffed and baked, grilled for a smoky flavor, roasted until tender, or sautéed in stir-fries. They add sweetness and texture to sauces, soups, and stews, and are a colorful addition to pizzas. Extend the enjoyment of these peppers by canning or pickling them for later use.

Enjoy these peppers with:

Kale, sun-dried tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, garlic, chives, basil, oregano, pesto, balsamic vinegar, honey, olives, cheeses (mozzarella, gorgonzola, feta), almonds, pine nuts, and meats like poultry and Italian sausage.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing different plants together for mutual benefit.

Beneficial Pairings: Basil, Parsley, French Marigolds, Onions, Carrots, Nasturtiums.

Antagonistic Pairings: Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale), Fennel, Beans.

Harvest Tips

California Wonder peppers can be harvested at any size, but their flavor sweetens as they mature. For best results, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving about ¼ inch of stem attached. 

Learn More

• Growing Peppers 101
• Chile and Pepper Growing Tips
• Grow Better Peppers with Shade
• Growing Quality Heirloom Chiles

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