Capsicum annuum
Varieties
- Carolina Wonder (Red)
- Gourmet
- Golden Calwonder
Life cycle
Light requirements and depth
Shallow - some light is fine.
Seed germination temperature
70–90°F
Heat mat temp
80 - 85
Cool germination details
up to 90 so outdoor germ fine.
Culture and fertilization requirements
Fertilizer Needs: High. It can take six weeks or longer for the seeds to germinate, so patience will work in your favor. Peppers shouldn’t go outside until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55°F. Unless you’re growing a micro variety, most pepper plants require 12 to 18 inches of spacing each. Overcrowding your plants can lead to problems in airflow, which produces prime conditions for bacteria and viral pathogens to flourish.
Links - Pests, Disease, General Info
Current Seed Start & Transplant Dates
Note: Seed starting and transplant dates do not always correlate one to one with dates shown below. Note correct start and expected transplant dates on the tag of the tray for seed germination. Adjust dates with plant tags on a yearly basis if necessary. 8 ounces of fertilizer is about 1 cup. Consider Sustane various NPK and Alfalfa Meal or Blood Meal for nitrogen.
| Seed Start to Transplant Days |
42 - 56 days |
| Days to Maturity after Transplant |
20 - 40 days |
| Days to Maturity Total |
65 green; 85 orange | red ripe |
Athens
Franklin
Direct Sow Dates ( if any )
Days to germination
8 - 25 (slow)
Seed Viability Years
2 years
Variety Details
Variety Name
Carolina Wonder (Red)
Variety Description
75 days. (green > red) [Introduced by SESE 1999.] The best nematode- resistant bell for home gardeners. Foliage, fruits, and yields are very similar to California Wonder. This variety is a potentially valuable line for developing other nematode-resistant bell peppers. It is also less prone to developing fungus in the seed cavity. The premium-grade, 3- and 4-lobed, fruits weigh 1⁄4-1⁄3 lb and measure 3 x 4 in. Sweet flavor even when green.
Seed Type
Open Pollinated
Seed Vendors
Southern Exposure only (https://www.southernexposure.com/products/carolina-wonder-sweet-bell-pepper/) $2.95 36 - 60 seeds
Variety Name
Gourmet
Variety Description
Medium-large blocky fruits have thick walls and are very sweet and flavorful. Widely adapted and performs well under a wide variety of conditions. Strong compact plants have a high yield potential. High resistance to tobacco mosaic virus.
Seed Type
Hybrid
Seed Vendors
Johnnys 25 seeds $3.50
Variety Name
Golden Calwonder
Variety Description
Widely adapted and similar to California Wonder. The thick-walled, golden ripe fruits average 3 x 3 in. 3 ft. plants. Does well in the Mid-Atlantic.
Seed Vendors
Southern Exposure Packet: 0.3 g unless stated (about 36-60 seeds, depending on variety) sows 21-60’ of transplants.