Poppy, California

Eschscholzia californica   Annual. 1'.

Most loved of all wildflowers. Once established California Poppy can be grown without watering. Reseeds itself and blooms prolifically. Full sun. Orange flowers. Easy to grow. Feathery, highly-dissected, blue-green leaves; four-petaled flowers open only on sunny days, long  stems. California poppy is often used in wildflower mixes. It is easy to grow, drought tolerant, and reseeds readily.  Blooms from March to May and this period may be extended by watering.

Planting Directions:  Sow seed outdoors in well prepared soil that has been amended with compost or general garden fertilizer if compost is not available. In regions with cold winters sow seed in early spring when soil is still cool and there is possibility of a light frost. In warmer areas sow in fall. Broadcast seed and barely cover with fine soil. Keep evenly moist until germination occurs. Thin plants to stand 6-10” apart in full sun, well drained soil.  If started indoors sow seed 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost. Maintain temperature of 70° to 75° in the seed starting medium. Poppies do best if sown where they are to grow. To prolong blooming period do not allow seed pods to develop.  Pick in bud stage for cut flowers. Blooms are fragrant.