Eschscholzia californica CALIFORNIAN POPPY (25 seeds)

California Poppy, also known as the Golden Poppy, is a fast-growing perennial herb belonging to the Papaveraceae family.
This beautiful flowering plant, native to Western North America, reaches a height of 30 to 50 cm.

Its foliage is grayish-green and can measure up to 20 cm long. The leaves are finely divided, lobed, and may have a slightly hairy texture. Its flowers, composed of four orange petals, measure approximately 2 to 3 cm in diameter. Flowering occurs in the spring and early summer.

California poppy seeds from Eschscholzia californica are gray, very round, measure an average of one millimeter in diameter, and weigh only a few centigrams.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best time to sow Golden poppy begins in April, just after the last cold spells.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of potting soil, spacing them a few centimeters apart.
• Cover them with a few millimeters of substrate.
• Lightly press down (tamp) with your hands.
• Gently water the planting with a spray bottle.
• Place the seed tray in a warm, humid greenhouse at a temperature between 20 and 30°C. Germination generally begins 2 to 3 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

American poppy prefers well-draining, slightly sandy soil rich in organic matter. The substrate should not be too compact.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It thrives in a very bright, full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom abundantly.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

This plant prefers warm, dry climates. It is drought-resistant and tolerates high temperatures up to 30°C. It has moderate hardiness and can withstand light night frosts. Its USDA zone is 6–10.

- Watering / Water Requirements:

The California poppy is quite drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering during dry periods. Watering once a week is sufficient for its development. It is crucial to avoid excess or stagnant water, as this can cause root rot.

- Reproduction / Propagation:

The most effective method of reproduction is by seed. It can also be multiplied by dividing clumps during the spring. Unfortunately, this plant cannot be propagated by cuttings.

- Maintenance:

Remove spent flower heads (deadheading) at the end of the flowering season in early autumn. Mulch the base of the plant just before the winter period.