'Mission Bells' California Poppies
California Poppies fill a void or slope with color, and require almost no care, attention, water, or good soil. They do need to be cold-stratified to germinate. Sow in the fall for spring blooms.
JOY MAX QUALITIES:
Easy way to fill a big space with bright, lasting flowers that need no attention.
Unlike taller poppy varieties, the foliage is pretty and they don’t die when it gets hot. Drought & frost tolerant
Bright, Edible flowers
Deer-Resistant
This species is actually a short-lived perennial but is treated as an annual. They will self-sow to some degree, but the range of colors diminishes yearly, so sowing fresh seed is a good idea.
Planting Information: Direct sow California poppy seeds into prepared seed beds that have been cleared of weeds and have had the top 1 in. of soil loosened with a good rake scratching. Rake seed in. Press into soil by walking over the area. Keep moist until germination.
Seeds should be direct sown as poppies do not transplant well. Scatter seeds and rake in lightly. ✧ It may take up to 30 days for the seeds to sprout, and you need to keep the surface area moist until then for best gemination. When 2” tall, thin to 1 every 8”. In climates with mild winters, sow seeds in the fall for spring blooms. Keep seeds and seedlings moist but not water-logged until established, and reduce watering. While poppies are drought tolerant in general, an occasional soaking can boost blooming.