What are the sun requirements for Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder'?

Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder' is California Wonder bell pepper, a determinate annual growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 15-18 inches (38-45 cm) wide. Large blocky 4-lobed bell peppers 4-4.5 inches (10-11 cm) long and 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) wide with thick walls — green when immature, ripening to red if left on the plant (additional 2-3 weeks after green maturity). White 5-petaled star-shaped flowers at leaf axils. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The standard open-pollinated bell pepper cultivar since 1928. Zero Scoville heat units — a sweet pepper with no capsaicin. Determinate growth (the plant reaches a fixed size). Flowers drop without setting fruit when night temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C) or drop below 55°F (13°C). Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost — peppers require a longer indoor start than tomatoes. Fruit matures in 70-80 days from transplant (green stage). Consistent moisture and warm soil temperatures. Leaves and stems contain solanine — mild toxicity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Full sun (6+ hours). Tender annual. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Cultivar developed in California, USA (1928). The species C. annuum is native to Central America and Mexico.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). The standard bell pepper since 1928. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Zero Scoville. Green or red harvest. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by large blocky 4-lobed thick-walled bell peppers (green ripening to red) on a compact bushy plant with white star-shaped flowers. The 4-lobed block shape and the thick walls distinguish California Wonder. Open-pollinated since 1928. In Solanaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'3" - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer

Summer (July-September). White star-shaped flowers at leaf axils. Self-pollinating. Flowers drop in temperature extremes (above 80 degrees F or below 55 degrees F at night).

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, 5-petaled, 0.5 inch (12 mm), star-shaped, solitary at leaf axils

Foliage Description

Dark green, ovate to lance-shaped, smooth, glossy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

70-80 days from transplant (green); 85-95 days (red)

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Rich moist well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Warm soil required. Flower drop in temperature extremes. Pick first few flowers for stronger plants. Leaves contain solanine. Ripe fruit non-toxic. Tender annual.

Pruning

Pick the first few flowers to redirect energy to plant growth. Harvest fruit regularly to encourage continued production. No other pruning needed on determinate types. Stake if the fruit load causes leaning.

Pruning Schedule

summer