Capsicum annuum Seeds | California Wonder Pepper

LATIN NAME: Capsicum annuum

COMMON NAME: California Wonder Pepper

Plant Profile

Capsicum annuum — California Wonder Pepper — is a species with genuine garden merit. Pollinating insects take to the flowers at once, adding a little wildlife interest to its garden value. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.

Science & Biotechnology

Capsicum annuum sits in the Capsicum group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Its genetic stability as an open-pollinated variety has also made it a favourite teaching subject in vegetable seed-saving education. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.

Uses & Benefits

California Wonder Pepper works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. California Wonder’s thick, sweet flesh and reliable, generous yield have made it standard bell pepper choice for countless home gardeners, equally good eaten fresh, stuffed, grilled or added to virtually any cooked dish calling for bell pepper. As an open-pollinated variety, gardeners can save seed from their own fruit each year to grow true to type in future seasons. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.

Chili pepper’s fire is capsaicin, one of the most useful plant molecules in medicine: topical capsaicin preparations are approved for nerve and arthritis pain, and population studies link regular chili eating with metabolic and cardiovascular benefits. Beyond the heat, peppers are superb sources of vitamin C.

Growing from Seed

Seed is the natural starting point for California Wonder Pepper, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow seed into a loose, well-drained mix and keep it warm and consistently moist, since pepper seed does best with steady warmth, often benefiting from bottom heat. Bright light suits young seedlings well, and this variety should only be transplanted outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed thoroughly. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.

Our Take

It is a solid representative of the Capsicum group, true to type from seed. Its wants are few — a sunny spot, soil that drains, and time to settle in.

Vegetable Seeds / Vegetable