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.

- Uses:

It is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for the beauty of its flowers, often used to decorate flower beds. Easy to grow, it is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens and attracts various pollinators.

This sedative plant is used to help anxious or nervous individuals regain a calm, stress-free life. It is also found in pharmacies due to its numerous medicinal benefits.
Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

- 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.