California Wonder Bell Peppers - True to their Name

Its pepper picking time again. I'm only picking the 5 plants along the sidewall. Some folks say without pictures, it didn't happen. So I did the picking in double speed for documentation purposes. In the end, I finished with about 126 peppers, from 5 plants. I'd say thats a definite Wonder !

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• picking
• California
• Wonder
• bell
• peppers
• vegetable
• garden
• God's
• blessings
• Virginia
• greenhouse
• hoop house
• high tunnel

[JTuesday777]

That looks like a ton of peppers but they seem small. Is it the strain that gives small peppers or you just prefer them under-ripe?

[mhpgardener]

@JTuesday777 I never could figure it out. They produced a ton, but nothing of really good size. The only thing I could think of was that there was just too much fruit on each plant, so they could only grow so big. I have switched varieties for this fall/winter. Trying a couple varieties that grew to good size in my gardens this year.

[JTuesday777]

@JTuesday777 Thanks for the response, your theory makes sense, how long do your plants take to start producing from seed? Or do you buy the starter plants? Thanks.

[mhpgardener]

@JTuesday777 Thats a tough question. It really depends on the time of year. Early spring takes longer, cuz they are heat loving plants. The ones I have in the GH right now were seeded about Aug 1st, took forever to come up, and then just sat there. Once I moved them to 4 inch pots, they took off. Looks like they will be producing pretty fast, but its been warm in there. I start just about everything from seed.

[zone9organic]

Is there a bell pepper plant that the peppers will stay green and not change colors the longer they're on the plant? And will all California Wonders turn red as they mature?

[kelz132001]

I'm going to try growing these this spring/summer. I hope I can be as successful as you!

[mhpgardener]

@Gardensandcabins As far as I know, pretty much anytime you think theres enough to eat. The pepper doesn't have to "ripen" like tomatoes, so it tastes about the same whether its big or small. I can't taste any difference.

[Peskey2010]

Holy smokes that's a lot of peppers! Awesome job! 

[mhpgardener]

@LHRT229 LoL, yea... bought them from a lepracaun ! :-) Yes sir. As long as I keep them fed and watered, they'll keep going. Water is the key right now. Its HOT in the GH, so I'm watering them 2-3 times a day.

[mhpgardener]

@knyquol Lol...yea, get you a GH. Peppers are slow starters, but will produce for a long time. They really like heat, and plenty of sun.