FL3066A - Mission Bells
Eschscholzia californica. Plant Mission Bells California poppy seeds in spring for summer blooms. Sow them in the fall, and they will be among the first flowers in bloom the following spring. 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. Deer won't bother with these tough flowers, either. 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 colours diminishes from year to year, so fresh seed is a good idea.
Hardy Annual
- Hardy annual
- Drought resistant
- Multi coloured flowers
- Deer resistant
- Will self sow
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How To Grow
Hardy, but short-lived perennial. Usually grown as an annual. Follow along with this handy How to Grow California Poppies Guide and grow some history.! Grows to 5–60 in (13–152 cm) tall, with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The leaves are divided into round, lobed segments. Blooms are solitary on long stems which are silky-textured each with four petals. Flower colours range from yellow to orange, flowering from February to September. The petals close at night or in the cold, windy weather and open again the following morning. Flowers will remain closed in cloudy weather as well.
Latin
Eschscholzia californica
Family: Papaveraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 1-10, winter hardy in 8-10
Timing
Direct sow outdoors in spring after last frost – mid-March on the coast, or direct sow in autumn. It can be started indoors, but does not like being transplanted.
Starting
Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, spaced 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Seeds should sprout in 14-21 days.
Growing
Grow in any average, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to prevent self sowing. Very likely to self sow.