Family: Papaveraceae
Common Name: California Poppy

These delightful, bright, spring to summer-flowering annuals are splendid massed in bor­ders or in large drifts. 'They have soft, fern-like, blue-green foliage and tapering, four-petalled flowers in a saucer shape. The lovely flowers have a silky, papery texture.

Species

E. californica, California's floral emblem, is the best known and most popular species. It grows 30-45 cm (12-18 in), produc­ing many bright orange or cream flowers of 5 cm (2 in). The 'Ballerina' range contains double or semi-double flowers in red, pink, orange and yellow. Other good strains are the single-flowered Sunset Series and the semi-double Silk Series. There are also single-coloured cultivars.

Cultivation

California poppies prefer a light, well-drained soil, though they will do well in most soils. However, they must have a full-sun situation, otherwise the flowers will close up. Propagate from seed sown in spring or early autumn where they are to grow and thin the seedlings to 15 cm (6 in) apart. Once established, they readily regenerate from seed. If self-sown plants are not required, cut off the faded flowers to prolong flowering.

Climate

Zone 6.