Sweet pepper variety California Wonder — a mid-season and popular among gardeners variety, intended for cultivation in open ground. The plant reaches a height of 70-80 cm, features a strong, densely foliated bush with sturdy stems capable of supporting simultaneous formation of 9-12 fruits. This variety is distinguished by high adaptability and resistance to various growing conditions, including drought, as well as diseases such as verticillium wilt and tobacco mosaic virus. Prefers loose, loamy soils with moderate regular watering, but adapts well to various agronomic practices. Fruits of California Wonder have a cube-shaped, slightly ribbed structure, usually 3-4-chambered, with thick fleshy walls of 6-10 mm thickness. Fruit sizes reach 9-11 cm in length and 8-9 cm in diameter, average weight is 120-150 g. At technical maturity, they are dark green, while at biological maturity they acquire a rich red hue, sometimes with a yellowish tint. The harvest is characterized by excellent transportability and long storage life, with fruits retaining their flavor and appearance. California Wonder is valued for its rich flavor and high vitamin content, especially vitamin C, making it a leader among vegetables in this regard. The pepper is versatile in culinary use: it is used for fresh salads, appetizers, stuffing, as well as added to main dishes, including meat and fish. The variety is grown by seedlings, transplanted in May after frost danger to well-lit, nutrient-rich areas with well-drained soil. Harvest is collected as early as August, allowing for fresh fruits to be available over a prolonged period.
