Eschscholzia californica - Californian Poppy - Red Chief

Red Chief isn't a true red. It is red with orange under tones.

Californian poppies are invaluable flowers for the front of the garden and for filling in blank areas in your garden. Eschscholzia californica is a Californian native wildflower. They handle tough growing conditions with ease. I have mine growing in my footpath garden, under the fruit trees in the orchard and many nooks and crannies. Its preference is for full sun and well drained soil. Not only is the flower pretty but so is its blue-green foliage. This plant is annual but will self seed for years to come. Height 40cm.

Californian poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is edible, with its bright petals used as a colorful garnish in salads or on dishes, while the seeds can be used in cooking.

Californian poppies are excellent cut flowers. Cut stems when the flowers are still in tight, colorful buds, just before they'd naturally open. Plunge the cut stems into a mug of freshly boiled water for about ten seconds, then transfer them to a cool, shady spot for an hour to help them last.

Sow seeds in autumn or spring. You can either direct sow which is what I do or you can grow in pots to transplant out into the garden. Seeds need light to germinate, so sprinkle them on top of the soil and water. Keep damp but not wet. If you are growing your seeds in a pot, plant out when they are around 10cm height. Be gentle as the plants have a tap root.

Seeds currently available.

$5.00 - 1/8 teaspoon open pollinated seeds

$4.00 - postage within Australia

Email to order - fascinatingbotanicals@gmail.com

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