I'm curious if any fellow gardeners in North Carolina or Tennessee have had success with California Wonder bell peppers. They're the only seeds I seem to find around here, but I know they're designed for different growing zones. Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences!
3 Answers
I've had a mixed bag with California Wonder peppers. They tend to prefer cooler weather than what we usually see in the South. If you do decide to plant them, you might get a few peppers over the summer, but they really take off in the fall when it cools down a bit. Personally, I have better luck with banana and Marconi peppers instead.
In my experience in Zone 6, California Wonders do pretty well! They keep producing until frost, which is a bonus. Last year, I had them in the ground, but this year I moved them to raised beds. I’ve got some steps that I follow for success:
1. Start seeds indoors.
2. Harden them off gradually over about a week.
3. Space the plants close together (8-10 inches apart) to help support each other.
4. Regular care, including picking off small blooms to encourage height instead of early fruiting.
Good luck!
Sounds interesting! I've never tried bell peppers before. I usually stick to my herbs, but maybe I should give them a shot this season. Thanks for sharing your tips!