How to prune 'california wonder' bell pepper

Remove crown bud at transplant; light thinning mid-season. Snap off the first flower bud that appears at the main fork before the plant reaches 30 cm (12 in). Use clean scissors to remove inward-crossing branches mid-season. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season.

Once for crown bud removal; light thinning 1–2 times per season. 'California Wonder' bell pepper benefits from early pruning to build a strong plant. Remove the first flower bud that appears before the plant is well established (the 'crown bud') to redirect energy into branching. Thin crowded growth mid-season for better airflow. Peppers need less suckering than tomatoes but appreciate light shaping.

Snap off the first flower bud that appears at the main fork before the plant reaches 30 cm (12 in). Use clean scissors to remove inward-crossing branches mid-season. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season.