Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
Classic bell pepper flavor with dependable garden performance. Yolo Wonder is the time-tested red bell prized for its crisp bite, low-acid sweetness, and clean, peppery aroma that shines raw or cooked. Think market-fresh bell character with great texture and a smooth finish—perfect for salads, sheet-pan roasts, stuffed peppers, and snack platters.
The plants are sturdy and prolific, typically 2 to 3 feet tall with a well-branched, compact habit that sets heavy clusters of blocky fruit. Deep green foliage frames large, three- to four-lobed pods that average 3½ to 5 inches. They mature from glossy green to a saturated, fire-engine red that signals peak sugar and perfume. Thick, meaty walls blister and peel beautifully over flame, hold shape when stuffed, and keep a satisfying crunch for raw snacking and pickling.
Bite into a fully colored pod and bright garden sweetness arrives first, followed by a mellow, buttery finish. In the kitchen, Yolo Wonder is a natural for crudités, fajitas, kebabs, and oven bakes; charred and peeled, it purées into a silky crimson sauce or soup; dried at peak color and ground, it yields a sweet, brick-red powder that lifts rubs, eggs, and roasted vegetables. Selected for uniform shape, high yields, and reliable ripening, this trusted Capsicum annuum brings armfuls of showpiece color and everyday versatility to any garden or patio.
Timing: Start seeds 8–10 weeks before last frost. In cool or short seasons use 10 weeks for sturdy transplants
Depth: Sow ¼" (6 mm) deep in fine, sterile seed-starting mix. Firm lightly and mist
Temperature (germination): Maintain 80–88°F (27–31°C) on a thermostat-controlled heat mat for uniform sprouting
Germination Time: 7–14 days typical. Allow up to 21 days for slower lots
Moisture & Air: Keep evenly moist, not soggy. Use a humidity dome for the first several days with daily venting to limit damping-off
Light (post-sprout): Provide 14–16 hours per day. Keep lamps 2–4" above the canopy and raise as plants grow
Air Temperature (post-sprout): Days 70–82°F (21–28°C). Nights 62–70°F (17–21°C)
Potting Up: At first true leaf, move from dense flats to 2–3" cells. Step to 4–5" pots 2–3 weeks before setting out. Plant slightly deeper each step to stabilize stems without burying leaves
Feeding: Begin ¼ strength balanced liquid fertilizer weekly at two true leaves. Increase to ½ strength after potting up if growth slows or leaves pale. Add Ca and Mg if interveinal chlorosis or early blossom end rot appears
Airflow/Conditioning: Run a gentle fan or brush tops daily to strengthen stems and reduce fungal pressure
Soil Temperature & Transplant Timing
Transplant by soil readings, not dates
Measure soil at 2–4" depth at dawn for 3–5 mornings
Soil minimum 65°F (18°C)
Night air minimum 55°F (13°C) for reliable fruit set
Ideal root zone 70–85°F (21–29°C) for quick establishment and large fruit sizing
Transplanting Outdoors
Hardening Off: 5–7 days. Move from bright shade to partial sun to full sun with light breeze exposure
Site: Full sun. Fertile, well drained loam, pH 6.2–6.8. Warm, sheltered microclimates help the blocky fruit size and timely ripening to red
Bed Prep: Incorporate 1–2" compost plus a balanced organic fertilizer per label. Avoid excess nitrogen that delays flowering and color
Spacing: 18–22" (45–55 cm) between plants. 30–36" (75–90 cm) between rows for larger canopies
Support: Use sturdy cages or a single stake with soft ties to support heavy clusters and prevent branch breakage
Mulch: Apply after soils warm. Black plastic or woven ground cover promotes earliness and weed suppression. In hot regions, straw can moderate peak heat once soils are warm
Watering: Provide a steady 1–1.25" (25–30 mm) per week including rainfall. Water at soil level. Avoid drought then soak cycles that cause blossom drop or micro cracking
Season Extension: Row cover or low tunnels speed early growth. Remove or vent during bloom for pollination. Reflective mulch improves interior coloring in dense canopies
Variety-Specific Notes
Crop time: 70–80 days from transplant to full-size green. 90–105 days to deep red with maximum sweetness
Harvest cues: Large, blocky 3–4 lobed bells with thick walls. Pick glossy green for yield or allow full red for flavor and vitamin content
Culinary or preservation uses: Excellent for stuffing, roasting, grilling, fresh salads, and diced for freezing. Fully red peppers dehydrate well for sweet red flakes or powder
Stress tolerances or sensitivities: Sensitive to cold soils and wind. Heavy fruit loads may lodge plants without support. Thick skins can sunscald if foliage is over-thinned during heat waves
Troubleshooting
Leggy seedlings: Increase light intensity and keep post-sprout day temps near 75–78°F
Slow coloring to red: Reduce excess nitrogen, ensure full sun and steady moisture, and improve airflow for quicker finish
Misshapen or hollow bells: Often due to temperature swings at pollination or nutrient imbalance. Keep conditions steady and avoid high N
Branch breakage under load: Stake or cage early before clusters size up
Micro cracking after rain: Maintain mulch, keep irrigation even, and harvest soon after heavy rainfall
Sunscald on red fruit: Retain leaf cover over clusters. Temporary 20–30 percent shade cloth helps during extreme heat
Aphids, thrips, mites: Rinse early day, improve airflow, deploy beneficials, and use insecticidal soap if needed
Fungal leaf spots: Water at the base in the morning, space adequately, prune only lightly for airflow, and remove affected leaves promptly
How to Grow — Yolo Wonder (Capsicum annuum — classic blocky red/green bell, dependable set)
Seed Starting & Transplant Timing
Start indoors 6–10 weeks before your last frost date; Yolo Wonder rewards a warm, steady start with thick walls and uniform lobes.
Germination target: Keep media 78–85°F (25–29°C) on a heat mat with a humidity dome; typical emergence 7–14 days. Vent the dome daily and bottom-water to limit damping-off.
Lighting: Provide 14–16 hours/day under LED/T5 lights set 2–4" above seedlings. Rotate trays weekly and run a small fan for sturdy stems and tight internodes.
First feeding & pot-up: Begin ¼-strength balanced fertilizer at the first true leaves. Up-pot to 3–4" containers as roots bind cells; don’t rush into oversized pots that stay wet.
Hardening off: 5–7 days of gradual outdoor exposure (bright shade → morning sun → full sun), adding breeze incrementally.
Transplant only when nights >55°F (13°C) and soil >60°F (16°C). Black plastic or landscape fabric a week prior will pre-warm beds for faster establishment.
Soil Preparation
Texture & pH: Rich, well-drained loam, pH 6.2–6.8. Bells need drainage plus steady fertility for thick, crack-resistant walls.
Amendments: Mix 2–3" finished compost into the top 8–10". At planting, add a light organic base (e.g., 4-4-4), a pinch of sulfate of potash (K) for firmness/sugars, and gypsum (Ca) in sandy soils to reduce blossom-end rot (BER).
Bed architecture: Raised beds and wide rows enhance drainage and warm the root zone—keys for uniform blocky shape and even ripening.
Watering
Provide 1–1½ inches of water per week, more during fruit fill or hot, windy spells.
Water deeply but infrequently to drive roots down; avoid frequent, shallow sprinkles that encourage surface rooting and BER.
Best method: Drip or soaker hoses at soil level to keep foliage dry and disease pressure low.
If overhead irrigation is unavoidable, water early morning so leaves dry before evening.
Quality note: Consistent moisture produces thick, juicy walls. Big wet–dry swings invite BER, internal hollows, and sunscald during the green→red turn.
Fertilizing
Feed a balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during vegetative growth to build a robust frame.
At first bloom, switch to low-N, higher-K feeding to emphasize flowers/fruit, sugar accumulation, and smooth coloring.
Avoid late nitrogen surges—excess leaf shades pods and slows the transition to red.
Weeding & Mulching
Keep beds weed-free; bells have shallow feeder roots that resent competition.
Mulch (black plastic early, organic later) to:
Retain soil moisture
Suppress weeds
Stabilize soil temperature
Hand-weed gently to avoid root injury that can trigger flower drop or increase BER risk.
Sun & Heat Management
Plant in full sun (6–8+ hrs) for yield and color development.
In heat waves (>95°F / 35°C), provide 30–40% afternoon shade and steady moisture to preserve pollen viability and prevent sunscald on color-breaking fruit.
Maintain light canopy leafing over clusters—don’t over-prune leaves that shield bells as they ripen.
Spacing & Support
Space plants 18–24" apart in rows 24–36" apart.
Yolo Wonder carries heavy clusters; use small cages or ring stakes to prevent limb splits and keep fruit off soil for smooth skins and fewer slug issues.
Companion Planting
Good companions: Basil, parsley, carrots, onions, tomatoes, okra, beans, cucumbers.
Avoid: Fennel and kohlrabi (growth suppressants).
Interplant alyssum, dill, coriander to recruit hoverflies and lacewings that suppress aphids/thrips and aid pollination.
Container Growing
Use 10–15+ gallon pots (larger volumes = thicker walls and steadier moisture). Fill with a high-quality, free-draining mix; add extra perlite if heavy.
Containers dry faster—check moisture daily and feed lightly but regularly.
Shade pot sides in midsummer and elevate containers off hot patios. Fabric pots improve aeration and root temperature control.
Pruning & Training
Tip-pinch once early to increase branching and flower sites.
Later, remove only interior congestion to improve airflow and even coloring. Heavy midseason pruning delays the first big flush and exposes fruit to sunscald.
Season Extension
Row cover/low tunnels accelerate spring growth; vent/remove during bloom to allow pollinators.
In autumn, a light frost cloth buys time for the final green→red turn, boosting sweetness and vitamin content.
Harvest & Seed Saving
For classic crunch, harvest green, fully sized bells; for highest sweetness and nutrition, allow to ripen to full red and glossy before cutting.
Cut with pruners, don’t pull—blocky bells tear nodes easily when heavy.
For seed, select fully red, 3–4-lobed, uniform fruits from vigorous plants. Ferment or dry seeds 7–10 days, then store cool/dry.
Isolation: If saving seed, separate from other annuum bells/sweets by distance or bag blossoms to keep Yolo Wonder’s blocky, dependable phenotype true.
Troubleshooting Quick Hits
Flowers dropping? Check temps (nights <55°F or days >95°F), moisture swings, or excess N. Add light afternoon shade during heat spikes and keep watering even.
Pale, thin walls? Increase potassium, ensure consistent moisture, and avoid shade from overgrown canopy or weeds.
BER showing up? Even out watering, add calcium (gypsum) in sandy soils, and avoid root disturbance when weeding.
Ripeness cues: Harvest when fruits reach full, glossy red with uniform color across all lobes and a firm, thick wall. Green Yolo Wonders are excellent for crunchy salads and sautés, but the variety’s true sweetness and aroma peak at full red.
Cut, don’t tug: Bell crowns attach at brittle nodes; use sanitized pruners and leave a short stem stub to prevent tearing that slows subsequent flowering.
Cadence for yield: Begin light picks as soon as fruits size up and shoulders fill. Once color breaks, harvest every 2–3 days to encourage continuous set and to avoid overmature softening.
Finishing indoors: Nearly red fruits will finish in 24–48 hours on a breathable tray at room temperature—useful when cool nights stall coloring outdoors.
Handling in-field: Use shallow totes, single layers if possible; heavy stacking scuffs the glossy skin and bruises the shoulders.
Flavor & Nutrition
Profile: At red, Yolo Wonder delivers a bright, candy-sweet bell flavor with very low bitterness; roasted, it becomes silky and jammy with a concentrated, tomato-friendly sweetness.
Nutrient density: Fully colored fruit contains elevated vitamin C, carotenoids (capsanthin/capsorubin), and polyphenols. Thick walls make it a great raw snack for kids and salads alike.
Culinary behavior: Maintains structure well for stuffing, yet peels effortlessly after blistering for ultra-smooth purées.
Handling
Gentle prep: To remove the seed block cleanly, slice around the crown and pull the core in one piece. Panel along natural lobe seams for uniform strips or dice.
Knife choice: A sharp chef’s knife or serrated tomato knife prevents skin dragging and ragged cuts.
Display polish: Dry-wipe fruits for a market shine—avoid water on display fruit, which dulls gloss and shortens shelf life.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh storage: Keep unwashed bells in a paper-lined, vented container in the crisper; rinse just before use to prevent condensation. Properly stored, green bells hold longest; red, being sweeter, are best used sooner.
Roast & peel: Broil or grill until blistered, then steam 10 minutes in a covered bowl or paper bag; skins slip easily, yielding silky strips.
Roast & freeze (IQF): Lay roasted/peeled strips flat to freeze, then bag—perfect for winter pastas, pizzas, and egg dishes.
Pickling: Red rings excel in sweet-sour refrigerator pickles with onion, mustard seed, and a touch of garlic.
Confit (short-term): Slow-cook strips in olive oil with garlic and thyme; refrigerate promptly and use within a week.
Dehydrating: Dice or strip; dry at 115–120°F (46–49°C) to leathery. Pulse into sweet flakes or grind for a “red bell powder” that sweetens rubs and soups.
Fermentation: 2–2.5% salt mash for 7–10 days makes a mellow, sweet pepper paste; blend with roasted garlic and basil for spreads and sauces.
Kitchen Use
Raw & crunchy: Ideal for salads, wraps, crudités, and antipasti; the low bitterness makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Stuffed peppers: Thick walls hold rice-herb pilaf, quinoa + feta, Italian sausage + tomato, or black beans + corn; bake until tender.
Roasted sauces: Purée roasted Yolo Wonder with stock for a velvety red pepper soup, or blend with almonds, garlic, and olive oil for a bell-forward romesco-style sauce.
Everyday upgrades: Add grilled strips to panini, pizzas, omelets, and grain bowls.
Flavor pairings: Olive oil, balsamic or sherry vinegar, lemon zest, basil, oregano, thyme, garlic, onion, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella, feta, goat cheese, chickpeas, farro, and anchovy or capers for savory lift.
Growing & Pruning Tips
Support & canopy: Use a small cage or ring stakes to support heavy, blocky fruit clusters and prevent wind damage.
Airflow: After first set, lightly thin interior shoots to improve air movement, promote even coloring, and reduce fungal pressure—avoid heavy mid-season pruning that can delay fruiting.
Fertility strategy: Excess nitrogen late in the season delays coloring and pushes leaves over fruit. Shift to a K-forward side-dress (e.g., 5-10-10) at first blush to support sugars, firmness, and color.
Sun management: Full sun produces clean, uniform red; in heat waves (>95°F / 35°C), a 30% shade cloth helps prevent blossom drop and sunscald.
Irrigation rhythm: Maintain even moisture—large wet–dry swings trigger blossom-end rot and internal hollowing. Mulch to stabilize soil temperature and moisture.
pH & soil: Aim for pH 6.2–6.8, high organic matter, and excellent drainage. Fabric pots can help warm roots and accelerate early growth.
Companion Planting & Pollinators
Beneficial allies: Alyssum, basil, dill, and marigold attract hoverflies/lacewings for aphid and thrips suppression; flowers also draw native bees that improve fruit set.
Row edges: Keep weedy hosts down around beds; this reduces pest reservoirs and improves airflow.
Seed Saving
Selection criteria: Choose fully red, four-lobed, uniform fruits from vigorous, disease-free plants. Select for thick walls and consistent blocky shape.
Isolation: If you want to keep Yolo Wonder true, separate from other annuum sweets (and especially specialty bells) or bag a few blossoms for guaranteed purity.
Dry & store: Air-dry seeds 7–10 days on screens in a low-humidity room; store in airtight jars with a desiccant, cool and dark. Label with year and plant notes (vigor, earliness, wall thickness).
Aphids (clusters on tender growth; sticky honeydew; curled leaves)
Controls: Spray with water; follow with neem or soap sprays. Disrupt ant trails. Attract lacewings and lady beetles with flowering herbs.
Spider mites (stippling, bronzing, webbing in hot/dry weather)
Controls: Increase humidity with mulch; rinse undersides; rotate oils/neem sprays. Predatory mites indoors help maintain balance.
Whiteflies (fluttering when disturbed; honeydew residue)
Controls: Yellow sticky cards; vacuum in the morning; apply neem/soap weekly; weed management around fields.
Thrips (silvery scarring, distorted new leaves; virus vectors)
Controls: Blue sticky cards; sanitation of weeds and flowers; spinosad sprays.
Flea beetles (shot-holes on seedling leaves)
Controls: Protect with row covers; trap crops like radish; diatomaceous earth.
Cutworms (seedlings cut off at base overnight)
Controls: Collars around seedlings; clear debris; dusk patrol for handpicking.
Caterpillars (fruitworms, armyworms) (chewed foliage/pods; frass inside pods)
Controls: Handpick; spray Bt on small larvae; mow grassy borders.
Blossom end rot — regulate irrigation and mulch to stabilize soil moisture.
Poor fruit set — high heat, cold nights, or excess nitrogen. Shade cloth and balanced irrigation help.
Sunscald — pale patches on fruit in direct sun; preserve leaf canopy.
Edema — blistering from irregular irrigation cycles.
Flavor dilution — lush growth dilutes sweetness; slight stress enhances fruit richness.
Monitoring & Prevention Checklist
Scout plants weekly.
Use drip irrigation to keep foliage dry.
Provide wide spacing.
Mulch warmed soil.
Rotate crops 3+ years.
Sanitize tools; remove diseased pods.
Yolo Wonder (Capsicum annuum) — FAQs
Q: How hot is Yolo Wonder?
A classic sweet bell pepper at 0 SHU. Mild, juicy, and thick-walled when fully colored.
Q: How long does it take to mature?
About 70–90 days from transplant. Harvest green earlier or allow to ripen to red for full sweetness.
Q: How long does germination take?
7–14 days at 75–85°F. Consistent warmth and moisture improve germination rates.
Q: Does Yolo Wonder need special soil conditions?
Yes. Fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.2–6.8) with steady moisture. Warm roots promote large, blocky fruits.
Q: What spacing do plants need?
18–24" between plants, 24–30" between rows. Light staking or a small cage helps support heavy clusters.
Q: Do I need more than one plant for pollination?
No. Self-pollinating. Airflow or a gentle shake can improve fruit set.
Q: Can I grow Yolo Wonder in containers?
Yes. Use a 7–10 gallon pot, excellent drainage, and regular feeding. Avoid drying out between waterings.
Q: How many peppers will one plant produce?
Commonly 6–16 large bells; yields improve with long warm seasons and consistent care.
Q: How do I harvest without damaging plants?
Cut with pruners, leaving a short stem. Handle gently to prevent stem tearing and bruising.
Q: Best ways to store or preserve?
Refrigerate fresh; roast and peel for freezing; pickle; or dehydrate into sweet flakes. Diced raw peppers also freeze well.
Q: Will roasting change sweetness?
Yes—roasting boosts sugars and adds smoke. Quick cooking preserves crunch and garden-fresh flavor.
Q: Are bell peppers perennial?
In frost-free climates, yes. Otherwise overwinter indoors in bright light after pruning, or replant each spring.
Q: Why aren’t my peppers as large as expected?
Temperature swings, nutrient or water stress, or overcrowding. Maintain even moisture, feed lightly, and ensure full sun.
Q: Can Yolo Wonder cross-pollinate with other peppers?
Yes within C. annuum. Isolate or bag blossoms if saving seed to keep classic blocky form.
Q: How do I use it without overpowering a dish?
Its flavor is gentle—perfect for stuffing, roasting, or serving raw with dips. Combine with acid and herbs for balance.
Q: Can Yolo Wonder be ornamental?
Yes. Lush plants with clusters of green-to-red bells look great in beds and patio containers.
Q: Is it safe to handle and eat?
Absolutely. There’s no heat, but standard food safety applies—wash produce and tools.
Q: Why do my fruits have blossom end rot or sunscald?
Irregular watering/calcium uptake and sudden full-sun exposure after pruning. Keep moisture even and maintain leaf canopy for shade.
The bell pepper’s lineage begins in the Americas, where Indigenous peoples domesticated and celebrated them as food, medicine, and symbol. Sweet, thick-walled peppers were selected alongside hotter types, valued for their versatility and for their ability to complement maize and beans. This heritage formed the genetic foundation for all modern bell peppers, including the Yolo Wonder.
In the early twentieth century, American plant breeders sought to stabilize reliable, productive bell pepper cultivars for commercial agriculture. In 1952, the Yolo Wonder was introduced from California’s Yolo County, bred for resistance to disease and for consistent, blocky fruits. While it was a product of modern science, its essence came directly from Indigenous seed stewardship — the sweet peppers that had been cultivated and refined for millennia. The Yolo Wonder quickly became one of the most important bell pepper varieties of its time, setting a standard for productivity and quality.
In kitchens, Yolo Wonder peppers were embraced for their thick, juicy walls and mild, sweet flavor. They were ideal for stuffing, roasting, or slicing fresh. Their blocky shape made them perfect for commercial packing and shipping, while their reliability made them staples in home gardens. Families roasted them over open flames, stuffed them with rice or meats, or preserved them in jars for winter. Their sweetness made them accessible across generations, carrying forward the communal role peppers had always played.
Culturally, the Yolo Wonder reflected both tradition and innovation. Its name tied it to a specific place — Yolo County — while its heritage tied it to Indigenous agriculture stretching back thousands of years. It symbolized the continuity of seed stewardship, from ancient fields to modern breeding stations, and demonstrated how crops evolve in response to both cultural and agricultural needs.
Today, Yolo Wonder peppers are still grown worldwide, valued for their productivity, reliability, and flavor. They remain one of the classic bell peppers, their history bridging Indigenous American domestication and twentieth-century agricultural science. To grow them is to honor both past and present, cultivating fruits that are at once practical, beautiful, and deeply rooted in heritage.
Goal: Maintain the classic red bell identity, blocky 3 to 4 lobed bell, 4 to 5 inch tall and wide, thick walls and sweet flavor, clean color progression green → full glossy red, while ensuring purity within C. annuum and excellent seed vigor.
1) Selecting Plants for Seed Saving
Choose exemplars: Select 8 to 12 vigorous, disease-free plants with upright habit and strong peduncles. Fruits should be blocky with 3 to 4 well formed lobes, broad shoulders, flat faces, and walls at least 4 to 6 mm thick. Prioritize plants that ripen evenly to a saturated red with minimal green shoulder and that set heavily on multiple nodes.
Cull off-types: Exclude plants with elongated or conical fruits, collapsed or incomplete lobes, thin walls, small undersized bells, muddy brick red or uneven color at maturity, slow or patchy ripening, weak peduncles, or watery or bitter flavor. Remove plants showing virus-like mosaics, blossom end rot tendency, chronic sunscald, or internal placental browning.
Maintain breadth: Save seed from multiple mother plants to preserve blocky size, lobe definition, wall thickness, sweetness, and uniform red maturity.
2) Harvesting Seeds
Timing: Allow bells to reach full, glossy red on the plant. Holding 5 to 10 days past full color improves embryo completion and seed fill, weather permitting. Slightly over red fruit may be included if interiors are sound.
Collection: Clip with sanitized pruners to protect nodes. Harvest fully colored, unblemished bells from each selected plant. Keep each mother plant’s lot labeled and separate through processing.
3) Cleaning Seeds
Separation: Quarter bells or slit lengthwise. Scrape seeds and placenta into a labeled fine sieve or bowl.
Rinse: Rinse gently with lukewarm water, rubbing to free placental threads until water runs clear and seeds settle.
Dry rub plus winnow option: With field dry fruit, crumble seed mass over mesh and winnow chaff. Finish with a brief rinse if needed for final polish.
Inspection: Remove pith and placenta fragments. Discard flat, pale, dark specked, or immature seeds and any with off odors.
4) Drying Seeds
Method: Spread seeds in a single layer on labeled coffee filters, paper plates, or mesh screens.
Environment: Warm 70 to 85°F, 21 to 29°C, shaded, well ventilated space. Avoid direct sun and temperatures above 95°F, 35°C.
Duration: 7 to 14 days, stirring daily until seeds are hard and freely flowing. Optionally equalize moisture by sealing with fresh silica gel for 24 to 48 hours before final packing.
5) Storing Seeds
Packaging: Place fully dry seeds in paper envelopes inside an airtight jar or foil pouch with silica gel.
Conditions: Cool, dark, dry. Refrigerator 35 to 45°F, 2 to 7°C, recommended for longevity.
Viability: 3 to 5 years refrigerated, 5 to 8 plus years when ultra dry and frozen. Always warm sealed containers to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.
6) Testing Seed Viability
Paper towel test: Germinate 10 to 20 seeds on a damp towel in a vented bag at 78 to 82°F, 25 to 28°C. Read at 5 to 10 days.
Targets: At least 85 percent germination for fresh annuum seed.
Priming, optional: 30 to 60 minutes in 0.5 to 1 percent H₂O₂ or a mild kelp solution can synchronize older seed.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving
Isolation: Yolo Wonder is C. annuum and will cross with other annuum types. Use 150 to 300 ft, 45 to 90 m, isolation. For foundation purity, bag or cage selected branches or hand pollinate.
Pollinators: Encourage beneficials generally. For bagged branches, tap or gently vibrate flowers daily during bloom for reliable set.
Record keeping: Document plant IDs, isolation method, harvest dates, red color uniformity, wall thickness, lobe count and shape, and any off-types. Photograph representative full red bells next to a ruler.
Selection cues: Prioritize plants that color quickly and evenly to deep red, produce square, heavy bells with thick crunchy walls, and deliver balanced sweetness and aroma. Favor strong peduncles, consistent fruit size, and pods that resist sunscald and internal browning at full red.
Culinary Uses, market-standard bell with thick, juicy walls
Fresh salads & chopped salsas (signature): Dice raw Yolo Wonder for crisp crunch and clean sweetness in salads, slaws, grain bowls, and pico-style mixes where you want color and body without heat.
Stuffed & baked: Large, four-lobed cavities hold rice/bean pilafs, cheeses, herbed mushrooms, or seasoned meats. Bake covered to steam through, then uncover to caramelize edges.
Fire-roasted & peeled: Char whole pods over open flame or broiler until blistered. Steam 10 minutes, peel, deseed, and slice. Dress with olive oil, garlic, and a splash of vinegar; fold into tacos, tortas, or serve over beans and grilled fish.
Ragùs & braises: Sweat diced pepper with onion and garlic to build sweetness and body in tomato ragùs, pozoles, and vegetable stews; thick flesh holds texture through simmering.
Salsa roja dulce (mild base): Purée roasted Yolo with roasted tomato, onion, and cilantro for a gently sweet red salsa; add a measured serrano or jalapeño for scalable heat.
Romesco / pipián-style spreads: Blend roasted bell with toasted pumpkin or sesame seed, garlic, and olive oil for a creamy, heatless sauce; thin with broth or vinegar for dressing.
Sweet “paprika” powder: Light-smoke (optional), dehydrate peeled strips until brittle, and grind to a scarlet sweet powder for rubs, rice, and soups.
Heat control tips: Naturally heatless; if warmth is desired, pair with a small amount of hot chile while keeping Yolo Wonder as the sweet backbone.
Preservation and Pantry Value
Freezer staple: Dice raw (tray-freeze) or roast/peel, then freeze flat in labeled packs—great for omelets, soups, and sautés.
Dehydration & powder: Thick walls dry best as peeled strips under steady airflow; grind just before use to capture aromatics.
Lacto-ferments: Ferment brunoise with 2–3% salt for a tangy relish; blend for a mild, pourable condiment that takes added heat well.
Pickling: Roasted strips or bright rings keep vivid color and crunch in brine for months under refrigeration.
Jarred roasts (tested methods): Pressure-can per a tested recipe or store under oil refrigerated for short-term use.
Flavor Benefits beyond heat
Clean, fruity sweetness with gentle green notes when partially ripe; fully red fruits deliver jammy tone and lower perceived acidity in tomato dishes.
High pectin content yields naturally creamy purées—less cream or oil needed.
Garden and Ornamental Benefits
Big, blocky fruits ripen green → red with excellent uniformity and thick walls suited to market transport.
Strong plants with dependable set; prominent shoulders make for easy stuffing and even roasting.
Pairs beautifully with golden, chocolate, and orange bells for multi-color harvests and CSA boxes.
Traditional and Practical Uses (Indigenous foodways focus)
American domestication, modern selection: Though “Yolo Wonder” reflects 20th-century U.S. breeding, sweet Capsicum annuum is Indigenous to the Americas. Core practices—comal roasting, smoke-drying, stone-grinding on metate/molcajete, and serving with nixtamalized maize—keep preparation rooted in ancestral kitchens.
Three Sisters harmony: Roasted bell strips complement corn, beans, and squash in calabacitas, tamal fillings, and bean stews; sweetness balances bitter greens and earthy beans in community meals.
Seedkeeping continuity: Drying, stringing, and winter storage of peppers alongside maize and beans reflect seasonal rhythms carried forward by Indigenous growers and contemporary seed stewards.
Safety and Handling always
Ventilate when broiling or roasting; hot steam and char can irritate. Use tongs and gloves when handling freshly steamed peppers.
For oil-packed storage, follow tested acidification/pressure-canning guidance or keep refrigerated and use promptly.
Label jars clearly (“sweet/no heat”) to avoid confusion in mixed-pepper kitchens.
Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
Triple tested
We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!
Soil Readiness
for Pepper Plants (Capsicum spp.)
Where to get a soil test
Best option: your state’s Cooperative Extension soil testing lab.
Tip: Arid/alkaline regions (e.g., AZ, NM, UT, parts of CA) often use Olsen (bicarbonate) for phosphorus.
Interprets P by extractant; assumes ppm. Results are approximate.
Enter at least one value above, then Calculate.
Summary
Recommended Amendments (per 100 sq ft)
How to Use
Mix P & K sources into top 3–6″ a week or two before planting.
If pH is low, apply lime 3–4 weeks pre-plant (or fall/winter).
Side-dress peppers with ~0.1 lb N / 100 sq ft at first bloom & fruit set.
Add 1–2″ finished compost yearly to build organic matter.
Container mix? Use a peat/coco-based mix with compost and slow-release organic fertilizer; pH is usually already correct.
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Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
Pepper Seeds - Sweet - Yolo Wonder
$200 USD
$600
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
Classic bell pepper flavor with dependable garden performance. Yolo Wonder is the time-tested red bell prized for its crisp bite, low-acid sweetness, and clean, peppery aroma that shines raw or cooked. Think market-fresh bell character with great texture and a smooth finish—perfect for salads, sheet-pan roasts, stuffed peppers, and snack platters.
The plants are sturdy and prolific, typically 2 to 3 feet tall with a well-branched, compact habit that sets heavy clusters of blocky fruit. Deep green foliage frames large, three- to four-lobed pods that average 3½ to 5 inches. They mature from glossy green to a saturated, fire-engine red that signals peak sugar and perfume. Thick, meaty walls blister and peel beautifully over flame, hold shape when stuffed, and keep a satisfying crunch for raw snacking and pickling.
Bite into a fully colored pod and bright garden sweetness arrives first, followed by a mellow, buttery finish. In the kitchen, Yolo Wonder is a natural for crudités, fajitas, kebabs, and oven bakes; charred and peeled, it purées into a silky crimson sauce or soup; dried at peak color and ground, it yields a sweet, brick-red powder that lifts rubs, eggs, and roasted vegetables. Selected for uniform shape, high yields, and reliable ripening, this trusted Capsicum annuum brings armfuls of showpiece color and everyday versatility to any garden or patio.
Seeds look great and gorgeous colors. These glass gem seeds look healthy and a great value for the price. I will update you when I plant them on how many germinate.
The taste is great and the tomato is yellow in color 1-2 lb tomatoes.
Tomato Seeds - Indeterminate - Kentucky Beefsteak
D.F.
Seeds look great and gorgeous colors. These glass gem seeds look healthy and a great value for the price. I will update you when I plant them on how many germinate.
Corn Seeds - Flint -Glass Gem Corn
D.F.
Wow, what a pretty blue these seeds are. i can't wait to plant them and watch them grow. I will update you on how many germinate. The seeds look healthy.
Corn Seeds - Flour -Hopi Blue Corn
D.F.
Seeds look great 👍 and i haven't had a chance to plant any of them yet, but I will update you when I put them in a seed tray and see how many germinate.
