[Dai]

Hi all!
I'm growing two California Wonder Pepper plants (first time I've grown sweet peppers) and have a few questions...

The plants are growing outside on a patio as I haven't yet built the greenhouse up the allotment. I've read that the fruit won't get to full size outside in the UK, so I'm wondering at what size I should start picking the peppers? (and even whether I should wait for them to turn red).
Also, will picking encourage more fruit? And I'm aware that the pots they are in are pitifully small but will potting them on into bigger pots so late in the growing season make a positive difference? or will it slow down or stop fruit production.

Thanks in advance.

[LotuSeed]

I'd put them into bigger pots. They might sulk for a day or two but it'd be worth it in the long run.

[mumofstig]

If you leave them to ripen, you will get less fruit - whether you pick them unripe, depends if you like to eat them green 

I'd give them bigger pots as well.

[sunshineband]

And you can certainly get full sized peppers off California Wonder in the UK, especially if the plants are in a nice sunny spot like yours are --- just follow the advice from my posting pals above 

[Dr_Pepper]

In much the same way as other fruiting plants, there will always be a finite supply of "energy" to share between the fruit that the plant is carrying so less fruit = bigger fruit.

If you just leave the plant to it's own devices you will be at the mercy of the available sunlight and you may end up with a lot of  smaller peppers and possible some flowers/fruits that abort and drop off if we get a dull summer.

If you want big peppers, you might want to pick off a few of the flowers now or thin the fruit if you get lots setting in the near future. That way those first fruit will get plenty of energy directed towards them.

Also big pots and a high-potash feed plus calcium will keep them happy. Good luck