California’s state flower is the vibrant orange wildflower “Eschscholtzia californica,” or better known as the “California Poppy.” Hardy from zones 3-9, in warm areas it’s perennial, and in cold climates it’s grown as a hardy annual.
Most people assume they won’t perform in the East because they have never seen them being sold at their nursery, or growing wild like they do in the West. Poppies hate to grow in pots, because their roots resent the heat. This is not to say that the home gardener can’t start their poppies in containers, and then transplant them into the ground. Germination takes place at 60 – 65 degrees. This is one of the few poppies that needs darkness to germinate, so cover the seed. They may not look attractive in a container, but once planted they’ll perk up and take off. California poppies don’t like their roots disturbed, so you must be careful, and gently tap them out of the pack when planting. They will faithfully reseed, and you’ll have plenty for years to come. The preferred method for growing California poppies is to sprinkle seeds outdoors in the early spring, and let them do their thing
If you let seeds fall for the following year, you’ll start to see finely divided, lacy bluish-green leaves emerge in early April. They flower from early May until late July, at which time they’re still flowering, but it’s best to pull them out, because they’ll start to look a little tired. Give them a good shake to spread their seeds for next year. Some may start to germinate which never seems to hurt their flower power for the next season. California poppies require full sun and good drainage, and will grow in most soil types except heavy clay. The plants grow about 12 to18 inches tall. The flowers close at night and on cold overcast days.
California poppies have a long bloom time. This is a short list of the showiest plants that will be blooming at the same time as the poppies.
California poppies put on an incredible show when grown among any of the flowers on this list, and can be used as a colorful filler. The orange is not harsh and blends in beautifully against pastel shades. So go buy some seed and sprinkle, and become a neighborhood sensation.
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