As with all bell peppers, 'California Wonder' needs heat and sun for the best production and flavor. Bell pepper aficionados often recommend heating up the soil prior to planting by placing black plastic over the garden plot about a week before putting the pepper plants in. Another option is to plant them where they'll get reflected heat off a wall or fence. 'California Wonder' peppers may be picked while green, but for sweeter flavor and more vitamin C, be patient and let them stay on the bush until red.