The California Wonder pepper is a classic bell pepper variety cherished for its reliability and sweet flavor. Introduced in 1928, this heirloom cultivar remains a standard due to its consistent performance and desirable blocky shape. The sturdy plant produces high-quality fruit, making it a favorite for stuffing and fresh eating. Understanding the expected size of both the fruit and the plant helps gardeners plan for a successful harvest.
Mature Fruit Dimensions
The California Wonder pepper produces substantial, four-lobed fruit with a blocky shape. A fully mature pepper typically measures 3 to 4 inches wide and 4 to 4.5 inches long, achieving a large, uniform size ideal for culinary uses. These thick-walled peppers are usually harvested when they are glossy green and firm.
As the fruit matures, it transforms from green to a vibrant red, which increases the sugar content and overall sweetness. The average weight of a single mature fruit is around 6 ounces. Harvesting the fruit regularly encourages the plant to continue producing more peppers throughout the growing season.
Typical Plant Size and Spacing
The California Wonder pepper plant has a sturdy, upright, bush-type habit. The mature height usually ranges from 24 to 30 inches, though it can reach up to 36 inches in favorable climates. The plant’s spread typically measures between 14 and 24 inches wide, forming a compact, vigorous bush.
Proper spacing ensures each plant receives adequate light and airflow, maximizing fruit production and size potential. Plants should be spaced about 18 inches apart within a row. Providing 24 to 36 inches between rows helps prevent overcrowding, reduces disease risk, and allows foliage to shade developing fruit from sun-scald.
Environmental Factors Affecting Growth
The size of a California Wonder pepper depends on the quality of its growing environment, which dictates the plant’s ability to allocate resources to fruit development. Bell peppers thrive in warm conditions, preferring daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the 60s. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can cause flowers to drop without setting fruit, limiting the total yield.
A fertile, well-drained medium rich in organic matter and a slightly acidic pH (6.0–6.8) is most suitable. Providing balanced nutrition is necessary, but excessive nitrogen should be avoided, as it encourages foliage growth instead of large fruit. Consistent watering is another factor, since irregular moisture levels can stunt fruit growth and cause problems like blossom end rot.