CAPSICUM ‘Californian Wonder’ Vegetable Seeds
‘California Wonder’ is a heavy producer of bell-shaped sweet capsicums; the fruit is thick-walled with a crisp, mild flavour. The fruit can be picked green or red. It is nutritious, high in Vitamin C and ideal for stuffing and salads.
Plant Type:
- Warm season annual, frost tender
- Plant Height: Varies, typically up to 60 cm
Sow When:
- Germinate best between 20 – 25°C soil temperature
- Temperate: Spring to early summer
- Subtropical: Spring to early summer
- Tropical: Spring to early summer
- Arid: Early spring or late summer – sow in a cooler period to avoid heat stress
- Cool Climate: Spring or early autumn – avoid extreme temperatures
Germination:
- Depth: Sow seeds 5 mm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Directly into well-drained soil; keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs
Soil Type:
- Details: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 – 7.0
Rows:
- Spacing: Plant seedlings 40 – 50 cm apart in rows spaced 60 – 75 cm apart
Details:
- Days to harvest: 70 – 80 days
Capsicum Growing Guide
Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Capsicums are warm season, frost tender annuals to 60 – 90 cm tall; generally staking them is a good idea. Seeds germinate best at 20 – 30°C soil temperature. Sowing at too low a temperature will cause delayed or failed germination.
In Temperate Areas: sow in early spring – either inside with extra bottom heat by using a bottom heat propagator; behind a sunny window or on top of a hot water system; if sowing outside wait until all frost danger has passed and the soil is warm. Generally, if starting capsicum inside then sow seed 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. By sowing early there will be time for a good crop to be produced before the first frost in winter.
In Subtropical Areas: sow March – October in frost-free areas; wait for spring in areas that receive frost.
In Tropical Areas: all year but avoid January – February above 32˚C can affect fruit set.
Soil Type: fertile, well drained, garden loam with a pH of 5.5 – 7.0; prepare the soil by adding compost. If stakes are required then put them at the same time as transplanting takes place to avoid later root disturbance. Providing support to keep fruit clear of the ground helps keep fruit clean and prevents slug and snail damage.
Germination period: 10 – 21 days (longer if the soil is cool); liquid feed the seedlings once germinated.
Planting depth: 6 mm deep
Position: full sun
Sow Where: into seedling pots to reduce transplant shock; transplant when the soil is warm
Plant Spacing: 40 – 50 cm between plants; 60 – 90 cm apart between rows
Details: keep well fertilised and watered; avoid high nitrogen fertilisers as these will promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit. In fruit fly areas the fruit should be protected by bagging
Harvest: 16 – 20 weeks: pick early fruit green to encourage fruiting
