Capsicum Early Wonder (Bell Pepper)
Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
Type: Bell pepper (Sweet pepper)
Growth Habit: Compact, bushy
Maturity: Early season (50–55 days to harvest)
Overview:
Capsicum Early Wonder is an early-maturing bell pepper variety, ideal for gardeners who want quick and abundant harvests. It’s known for its sweet flavor and vibrant colors, ranging from green to red as the fruit ripens. This variety produces high yields, making it popular among home gardeners and market growers alike.
Key Features:
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Early Harvest: Fruits mature in just 50 to 55 days from transplanting, making it one of the fastest-growing bell pepper varieties.
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Fruit Description: Early Wonder peppers are medium to large-sized, blocky, and thick-walled. They start as green and ripen to a bright red, offering a sweet, mild taste perfect for fresh consumption, cooking, or preserving.
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Plant Size: The plant is compact and typically reaches 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) in height, making it suitable for small gardens, containers, or raised beds.
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Resilience: This variety is known for its strong disease resistance, especially to common pepper diseases like anthracnose and pepper mosaic virus.
Growing Tips:
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Planting Time: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow after the danger of frost has passed. Transplant when seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves.
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Soil Needs: Capsicum Early Wonder thrives in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. The pH should be slightly acidic (6.0–6.8).
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Watering: Peppers need regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease.
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Sunlight: Full sun is crucial for maximum growth and fruit production. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to ensure proper airflow and prevent overcrowding.
Harvesting:
Harvest peppers when they are fully mature, usually green, or allow them to ripen to red for extra sweetness. Picking peppers regularly encourages continuous production.
Ideal For:
- Home gardeners with limited space
- Early-season markets
- Culinary use in salads, salsas, and stir-fries
