Californian Poppy Mission Bells – Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds

Eschscholzia californica

• Annual
• Lightly ruffled petals
• Beautiful fluted blooms in an array of colors
• Germination in 14-21 days.
• Easy to grow
• Will thrive even in poor soil
• Droughttolerant

Attractive flowers in gold, white, red, and orange appear above finely cut grey green foliage. California poppies are extremely rugged and drought resistant, so they are ideal for xeriscaping – and look splendid in large plantings.

Approx. 500 seeds

Sow outdoors, March-May or August-October, where they are to flower, 0.5cm (“) deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Seedlings usually appear in 14-28 days. Thin seedlings to 15cm (6”) apart. Water well until plants are established. For a continuous display, make sowings at two to three-week intervals. Sowings made in curves, rather than straight lines, often create a more pleasing effect. Flowers: June-October. Late summer and autumn sowings will flower the following year, often earlier than spring sowings.

Save a few seeds to sow in late June and, in most years, you will have blooms until the first frosts. Remove the dead heads regularly to prolong the flowering season.