Description
Eschscholzia californica | California Poppy ‘Mikado Red’
Poppies are a large family of flowering plants that include annuals, biennials, perennials, and even semi-shrubs and small evergreen trees. They are found all over the globe, and in a wide range of environments, but predominantly in the northern hemisphere. Botanists have divided poppies into almost 800 different species, grouped into 42 genera. And those are just the wild species! Plant breeders have been working with poppies for thousands of years now, and the varieties out there today are almost endless. They are prized for their delicate, silken petals that glow in the suns rays.
‘Mikado Red California Poppy’ has blue-green, finely divided leaves and bright red-orange saucer-shaped flowers that open in sunlight and close on cloudy days and during nighttime hours. Heat and drought-tolerant, requiring little care. When planted in mass they add loads of color to an area. Readily self-sows, providing years of beauty. Honey bees and wild bees are often seen collecting pollen from the flowers.
Grown as an annual in most zones, and a perennial in zones 9-10. Poppies do not like being transplanted, so it’s more ideal to start them from seed outdoors in situ, as they also prefer the cool night temps. Direct sow seeds 4 weeks before the last spring frost, or in late autumn if in zones 8+. They can be established directly in the garden, in flower beds, along driveways, walkways & fences, etc; growing best in well-drained, loose soils. Will tolerate some shade.
To start seeds indoors, sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost, cover with a humidity dome and keep at 65-70°F until germination, then move to 50-60°F. Poppies prefer a cooler climate, so it’s best to plant rooted plants outside right after the last frost date, being careful not to disturb the roots too much.
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 6-12 inches
Mature width: 6-12 inches
Hardiness zones: Perennial in zones 9-10, annual in all others