Sweet Pepper 'Californian' organic

Common name Organic California Red Pepper
Latin name Capsicum annuum
Quantity per packet Approximately 25 organic seeds

California Red Pepper produces generous harvests of sweet, crisp fruits suitable for countless recipes. Its reliable productivity and ease of cultivation make it a favorite among gardeners of every skill level.

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Product information
Product
identification
Common nameOrganic California Red Pepper
Latin nameCapsicum annuum
FamilySolanaceae
TypeVegetable
CycleAnnual
Quantity per packApproximately 25 organic seeds
Code produitBIOVO-0187
Product
description

Organic Red Pepper ‘Californien’ (Capsicum annuum) is a classic, productive annual variety highly valued for its large, fleshy fruits that mature from green to bright red at full ripeness. Its thick, crisp, and slightly sweet flesh makes it an essential sweet pepper for family vegetable gardens. The plant reaches about 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in) in height and forms a vigorous, generous, decorative bush throughout the summer season. Its small white flowers are followed by abundant harvests of glossy, flavorful, versatile fruits, perfect for salads, sandwiches, vegetable platters, grilling, stuffing, sautéing, and homemade preserves.

Organic Red Pepper ‘Californien’ should be sown indoors from February to April, about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in Canada. Seeds germinate best in warmth, between 24 and 30°C (75 to 86°F), in a light, fertile, well-drained growing mix. After hardening off, transplant seedlings into full sun once all risk of frost has passed, in organic-rich, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil. Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, especially during flowering and fruit production. Organic mulch, mature compost, and balanced fertilization encourage strong, high-quality yields.

In the garden, Organic Red Pepper ‘Californien’ belongs in edible vegetable gardens, productive beds, and large 15 to 20 L (4 to 5 gal) containers on sunny patios. It grows well alongside tomatoes, eggplants, carrots, onions, and peas, while avoiding proximity to fennel and kohlrabi whenever possible. Its flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting regular fruiting and vegetable garden biodiversity. Harvest fruits about 75 days after transplanting, once they turn bright red, then enjoy them fresh, grilled, stuffed, sautéed, or preserved.

Sowing
guide
Sowing periodFebruary to April indoors, transplant after frosts
Best time
February to April for indoor sowing
Sowing depth0.5 to 1 cm (1/4 to 3/8 in.)
Germination temperature24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F)
Germination time7 to 14 days
Propagation
Propagated primarily from Capsicum annuum seeds started indoors under warm conditions. Stable temperatures and strong light produce vigorous, highly productive plants.
Growing
method
Start Capsicum annuum seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in Canada. Maintain temperatures between 24 and 30°C (75 to 86°F) for rapid and uniform germination. Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light daily to encourage compact, vigorous plants. Transplant into individual containers after several true leaves develop, then harden plants off for about one week before planting outdoors. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture and apply organic mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Feed with a balanced fertilizer throughout the season to encourage abundant flowering and heavy harvests of large, sweet red peppers until autumn.
Soil
and care
ExposureFull sun
Soil
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Healthy soil structure encourages deep root development and continuous production throughout the growing season.
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Even irrigation encourages the development of thick, premium-quality fruits and healthy plant growth.
Fertilization
Incorporate well-aged compost before planting to improve soil fertility and encourage vigorous growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer with adequate potassium throughout the growing season to maximize fruit quality and overall yields.
Care levelEasy
Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for water and nutrients. Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture during warm weather. Water deeply whenever needed without overwatering. Feed moderately during flowering and fruit production to encourage abundant harvests. Pick mature fruits regularly to promote continued production throughout the season.
Container
growing
Recommended pot size
15 to 20 L (4 to 5 gal)
Organic California Red Pepper grows easily in 15 to 20 L (4 to 5 gal) containers placed in a warm, sunny location. Container growing allows excellent fruit ripening even in regions with shorter growing seasons. Use a fertile, well-drained growing mix enriched with organic matter to support vigorous growth. Regular watering and balanced fertilization produce abundant harvests of thick, sweet Capsicum annuum peppers.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
This variety produces large, thick-fleshed red Bell peppers with outstanding sweetness and excellent eating quality. Its high productivity and culinary versatility make it a staple in home vegetable gardens.
California Red Pepper produces generous harvests of sweet, crisp fruits suitable for countless recipes. Its reliable productivity and ease of cultivation make it a favorite among gardeners of every skill level.
Garden use
Organic California Red Pepper is ideal for family vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, raised beds, and large patio containers. This productive Capsicum annuum plant produces abundant bright red Bell peppers that combine outstanding ornamental appeal with exceptional culinary versatility. It grows beautifully alongside tomatoes and eggplants while attracting bees and beneficial pollinators that support a healthy vegetable garden.
Bloom period
Small white summer flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators. Healthy Capsicum annuum flowers encourage abundant and consistent fruit production.
Flower colorWhite
Foliage colorGreen
Harvest
Harvest fruits about 75 days after transplanting once they become bright red and fully mature. Enjoy them fresh, grilled, stuffed, or preserved for later use.
Fruiting
Fruits mature from green to bright red. Their rich color signals peak ripeness, maximum sweetness, and outstanding flavor.
Wildlife appealBees and Pollinators
Size
and facts
Height24 to 30 inches (60 to 75 cm)
Spread40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)
Growth rateFast
Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Planting
partners
Good companions
Eggplant, carrot, onion, peas, tomato
Avoid planting with
Fennel, kohlrabi
Recipe
and inspiration
California Red Pepper is delicious fresh in salads, sandwiches, and vegetable platters. Its thick, naturally sweet flesh is equally perfect for grilling, stuffed pepper recipes, stir-fries, roasting, and homemade preserves. Cooking enhances its sweetness and rich flavor, making this classic Capsicum annuum variety one of the most versatile peppers for everyday cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost. This provides enough time for vigorous growth and abundant harvests during the Canadian growing season.
This classic variety is prized for its productivity, sweet flavor, and large, thick-walled fruits. It remains one of the most reliable and versatile garden peppers.
No. It is a sweet Capsicum annuum pepper with thick, juicy flesh and a mild, slightly sweet flavor suitable for the whole family.
Yes. Its vigorous yet compact growth makes it well suited to containers. A warm, sunny location encourages abundant fruit production and excellent ripening.
Harvest fruits approximately 75 days after transplanting once they become bright red and fully ripe. Full maturity provides the sweetest flavor and best texture.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.