501 · Cal Wonder Bell

About this plant

The old California standard bell, blocky and thick-walled with three or four lobes, ripening green to sweet red. Crisp and mild, it is the pepper most people picture for stuffing, grilling, and chopping raw into salads. It is a proven performer, though the fruit sunburns easily here, so give it leafy cover or afternoon shade.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Wait until after our last frost (about mid-February) and warm soil — usually March. Until then keep the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot and bring it in on cold nights.

Spacing

18

Size

24–30 in tall × 18–24 in wide

Care

Sun

Full sun (PM shade in peak heat)

Water

Even, moderate; deep & infrequent

Feed

Every 3–4 weeks with a balanced vegetable fertilizer; go light on nitrogen so plants set fruit (general guide).

Pick / harvest

Green or red — either is fine to pick

Good to know

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Spice level

No heat / Sweet

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Days to harvest

~75

Heat (our summer)

High

Color

Red