---
title: California Wonder Sweet Pepper
created: 2026-05-24
updated: 2026-05-25
type: entity
tags: [fruiting-vegetables, heirloom, open-pollinated]
sources: [raw/articles/seedvault-home-page.md]
---
# California Wonder Sweet Pepper
## Overview
Classic open-pollinated heirloom sweet pepper. Thick-walled, blocky green peppers that ripen to red. Versatile for cooking, stuffing, or fresh salads.
- **Category:** Fruiting Vegetables
- **Price:** $3.12
- **Variety Type:** Open-pollinated heirloom
- **Days to Harvest:** 60-80 days from transplant
- **Germination:** 10-20 days at 70-85°F
- **Plant Height:** 24" tall, upright ever-bearing
## Growing Instructions
- **Sowing:** Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Plant 1/4" deep, keep soil 80-85°F until germination.
- **Transplant:** When outdoor temp reaches 60-65°F (not below 50°F at night). Space 12-16" apart.
- **Care:** Even moisture, mulch, provide shade if excessive heat.
- **Harvest:** Pick green or wait for red.
## Soil & Conditions
- **pH:** 6.0-6.8, well-drained, rich organic matter. Warm soil critical.
## Seed Storage
- **Viability:** 3-5 years cool/dry. Store below 40°F.
- **Pre-treatment:** None. Needs 70-85°F for germination.
## Yield
- **Per Plant:** 2-4 lbs per plant
- **Harvest Season:** Mid-summer through fall
- **Note:** Peppers continue producing until frost
Cut fully ripe pepper (red for this variety). Remove seeds, rinse, dry on paper 1-2 weeks. Keep separate from hot peppers.
## Pest & Disease
Aphids, spider mites, bacterial spot, fruit cracks (water consistency). Rotate every 3 years.
## Harvest & Preservation
Pick green or red. Store refrigerated 1-2 weeks. Slice and freeze or dry. Roast and peel for sauces.
## Companion Planting
### Good Companions
- **[[roma-tomatoes]], [[large-leaf-basil]], [[scarlett-nantes-carrot]]** — Shared pest profile, similar needs
### Part of: Mediterranean Bed
- See [[companion-planting]] for full combination details
## Related
- [[seedvault-market]]
- [[grow-guides]]
- [[seed-catalog]]