The large size and sweet taste of California Wonder Peppers have made them a popular home-growing option. Plant care is much like other heirloom bell peppers. Warm temperatures, sunlight, 1-2 inches of water per week and well-draining soil are the biggest keys. Nighttime temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees are best for fruit setting. The tallest plants should be staked to support fuller growth. Use mulch for more consistent soil moisture and weed control.

Pests that commonly affect bell peppers also are attracted to this variety, including aphids, cutworms, whiteflies, sider mites and flea beetles. Good air circulation and keeping foliage dry will reduce the chances of diseases like fungal infections, mosaic viruses and bacterial spot.

For the longest growing season, start pepper seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the final spring frost. Sow them a quarter-inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in flats or cell pots filled with seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and use a heat mat to maintain temperatures of 80-85 degrees. After the seeds germinate (usually 7-14 days), provide 12-16 hours a day of sunlight or grow lighting. Harden seedlings off for several days before transplanting outdoors.

Do not move or plant California Wonder Peppers outside until the soil is at least 50 degrees and there’s no longer a frost threat. Find a sunny spot where you have not grown other nightshades in the past 1-2 years. Plants should be spaced 12-18 inches, with rows a little wider so you can walk between them.

Pots, raised beds and other container-style growing can give you more control over soil conditions. Use well-draining containers that are at least 10-12 inches wide and deep for single plants. You will likely need to water and fertilize them more often.

Growing hearty California Wonder Peppers requires a lot of nutrients. Amend the soil with organic matter or a well-balanced fertilizer before planting. From there, continue applying fertilizer every 6-8 weeks at the base of the plant and water thoroughly. When fruit begins setting, consider adding more potassium and phosphorus. Soil testing will help you determine the specific frequency and whether you need certain micronutrients.

Although bell peppers are frequently grown as annuals, especially in colder climates, you can keep them dormant indoors over the winter. Cut the plant back so the main stems are 4-6 inches tall, then pot or repot it in fresh soil. Keep the plant in a cool, dark location and water the plant every 1-2 months. You can transition it back outside when spring arrives.

Throughout the season, remove small suckers and leaves near the ground as needed. This reduces disease risk and improves air circulation. When a plant is young, consider removing the main stem above the fifth node to make it grow more bush-like.

Harvest California Wonder Peppers when they are firm and reach full size (about 4x4 inches). Cut them off the vine with pruning shears and leave a small stem. You can pick green peppers around the 60-day mark or wait another 2-3 weeks until they change colors. Harvesting frequently will encourage more fruit production.