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Growing California Wonder 300 TMR Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
Purchase your non-GMO pepper seeds from True Leaf Market and kick-start their growth indoors for the best results. Direct sowing pepper seeds in the garden, or in situ, might not yield the most productive start in many climates. Begin the germination process six to eight weeks before your area's last spring frost. Plant 2-3 seeds in each cell of seed starting trays or cells, using a moistened germination mix. A humidity dome is key for maintaining moisture and warmth. To ensure proper germination temperatures (75 F), consider using a heating mat.
Once your pepper seedlings emerge, remove the dome to expose them to direct, full sunlight for at least eight hours daily. For steady growth and to prevent legginess, keep grow lights just above the tallest seedling, adjusting the height as necessary. Remember to turn off artificial lights during the night. After the appearance of true leaves, thin the seedlings to one per cell (or every 2-3 inches) and apply a gentle fertilizer for a healthy start.
When seedlings reach at least 6 weeks of age and stand 4 inches tall, it's time to introduce them to outdoor conditions gradually. Incrementally increase their time in direct sunlight and breeze each day. Protect them from temperatures below 50 F by bringing them indoors. After the last frost, when they're ready for permanent outdoor living, prepare your garden bed.
Ensure the garden site hasn't hosted peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants for at least two years. Enhance the soil with rich compost or worm castings to boost fertility. Space holes about 2 feet apart in rows that are 3 feet apart, transplant the seedlings to the same depth as they were growing previously, and water thoroughly. Surround the base of each plant with a dark-colored mulch to retain soil moisture and warmth.
As your pepper plants mature, provide support structures to sustain them, especially as they start bearing fruit. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases, promptly preventing spread and protecting your crop.
Harvesting California Wonder 300 TMR Peppers
To harvest, gently use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cutting the pepper off the plant while leaving a short piece of the stem attached to the fruit. This method helps prevent damage to the plant, allowing for continued productivity throughout the growing season. 'California Wonder 300 TMR' peppers can be picked while still green, offering a slightly more crisp texture and a zestier flavor, or allowed to ripen fully on the plant for a sweeter taste. Frequent harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruits, extending your harvest.
About California Wonder 300 TMR Pepper Garden Seeds
What makes the 'California Wonder 300 TMR' special is its large, blocky fruits, which mature to about 4 to 5 inches in size, with thick, crisp walls that make it ideal for various culinary uses, from fresh salads to stuffed pepper dishes.
The peppers start green and can be harvested at this stage for a slightly tangier flavor, or they can be left on the plant to mature to a rich red, at which point their sweetness intensifies. This versatility, combined with the plant's resistance to TMV, makes 'California Wonder 300 TMR' a favored choice among both novice and experienced gardeners.
The "300 TMR" portion of its name indicates its resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), a common plant virus that can affect peppers, resulting in stunted growth and reduced yields. "TMR" stands for Tobacco Mosaic Resistant.
Developed through selective breeding to enhance desirable traits such as size, flavor, and disease resistance, 'California Wonder 300 TMR' has become a garden staple. While the specific breeder or breeding program responsible for its development is not widely publicized, it's clear that the variety was designed with both home gardeners and commercial producers in mind, offering a plant that is as robust as it is productive.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"If your garden has struggled with Tobacco Mosaic Virus before, it is easy for it to come back. I recommend selecting TMV-resistant varieties, such as California Wonder 300, to give your harvest the best chance."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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California Wonder 300 TMR Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 500mg - Packet - Approximately 70 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 64,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 320,000 Seeds
Non-GMO California Wonder 300 TMR Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.