Climate

• In the tropics, pepper plants grow into woody shrubs that bear fruit year after year. In more temperate zones, sun-loving pepper plants need to be sheltered from the cold. The California Wonder requires less heat than most peppers, but will perish if exposed to frost; therefore, plants should not be placed in the garden until the average overnight temperature is at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, the California Wonder pepper is sensitive to heat and is not well-suited to many southern climates; it tends to suffer from blossom drop when the average daytime temperature climbs higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  

Soil

• California Wonder peppers grow well when planted in well-drained soil that is high in nutrients and has a pH of around 6.5. Few gardeners find themselves in possession of such perfect soil. Whether the garden has too much clay, too much sand or is too acidic or too alkaline, the solution is the same: supplement the soil with organic material. Organic materials such as shredded leaves, grass clippings and well-rotted manure decompose gradually, enriching the surrounding soil in the process.
  
  

Planting

• Start California Wonder seeds indoors 10 weeks before the date of the last expected frost. Sow the seeds in individual pots, placing three seeds in each pot and covering them with 1/4 inch of potting soil. Set the pots in a place that is sunny and warm. When the seedlings emerge, remove all but the strongest, most vigorous plant. Move seedlings into the garden three weeks after the date of the last frost. Place plants 20 to 24 inches apart, then water them thoroughly to help the roots recover from transplant shock.
  
  

Care

• Protect new pepper plants from the cold by covering them each evening with bottomless milk jugs or floating row covers. Remove the protective covers during the daytime to allow the seedlings to receive fresh air and sunlight. Mulch the surrounding soil to insulate the roots, conserve soil moisture and suppress the growth of competitive weeds. Provide new pepper plants with 1 inch of water per week, adjusting the schedule as needed in response to the local weather.
  
  

Harvesting

• California Wonder bell pepper plants take an average of 72 days to produce full-sized fruits. The crisp green peppers can be eaten at any stage of their growth, however, if left on the vine they will turn bright red and take on a sweeter, more complex flavor. Cut the peppers from the plants when they have reached the desired size and color. Wash and dry the harvested fruits, then store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.