California Wonder bell pepper: Do we wait until they turn from green to red to pick?

[Gold Metal Flake]

We have a nice crop of pretty green peppers. They look so jolly & fat now, I want to eat them!

[asdjrocky]

1. Everything I've read says to wait.

I've got some red and some golden that I can't wait to eat, but alas, none have changed yet. They are big and juicy, and I watch everyday, but still nothing.

I did find one on the ground as I watered the other morning, almost to size but still green. I didn't want to let it go to waste of course, so I chopped it up and put it in an omelet. Tasted like a green bell pepper, without the sweetness of the red.

[Gold Metal Flake]

2. aaaaaawwwwwwwuh! Me want eat!

I'll wait. The cukes are loomimg over them, though. One cuke grabbed a watermelon sprout with a tendril like it was gonna throttle it.

[asdjrocky]

3. Reminds me of this pic I snapped a couple of weeks ago-

Japanese Cucumber planted 5/21.

Give it a little time. Mine are just now starting to show a hint of color. What's taking forever for me are my big tomatoes. I've got plenty of cherry, none of the big ones are turning red yet.

[Gold Metal Flake]

5. Our tomatoes have exploded.

Do they prefer acidic soil? I'm growing in a spot formerly home to several old pine trees. I have not checked the soil but I assumed it might be a bit acidic. It is ammended with compost I made over last year. The cherries stared forst, like yours, but now the beefsteak and the other variety (the ID tag is outside, but they are sort of pendulous shaped) are now starting to turn. We had to put nets over them because the birds found them. My big failure this year was the corn. They did not get above 4 feet and insects played hell with the ears. Only one ear formed well and it was eaten by bugs.

This is so much fun. Next year, I am gonna plant right in the yard. That section of the yard will be taken over by 4'x4' lasagne-style beds and I won't be wasting water on grass there anymore. I also have a plan to bury mesh 1 foot below the beds and bring that out and up the sides of the bed frames to meet with chicken wire and thus eliminate all routes of entry for varments.

[asdjrocky]

6. I just got my tomatoes in too late.

The seeds didn't go in until mid-april, and I planted most of the tomato plants I bought in late April to mid-May. So now, for the big guys, it's just a waiting game.

[EstimatedProphet]

4. It was my understanding that the Cal Wonders can be eaten green

I have yet to see any myself :(. I have seen several flowering plants though, so maybe it is just a matter of time.

[Gormy Cuss]

7. Yes, they can -decent flavor and texture for a green bell.

They're really good as fully ripe peppers too.

[K8-EEE]

8. How do you know if they are "CA Wonder?"

Mine were just labeled "Red Bell," but I'm in the same dilemma....I want them right now!