According to some sources, the California poppy is the little cousin of the poppy, and this is clearly visible. California poppy Alba is a creamy white poppy with a striking and contrasting yellow centre. The flowers of the California poppy stand on grey-green stems and are surrounded by grey-green leaves. The California poppy is an easy plant to grow and maintain, yet it is a very striking eye-catcher in the garden. California poppies look at their best when they are planted in groups. California poppies originate from the western part of North America and western Mexico. Here, they grow in sunny, dry places with well-drained soil, such as grasslands. California poppies can overwinter here, but in our colder climate (the Netherlands and Belgium), they are grown as annuals. The flower is also the symbol of the state of California. This is where California poppy gets its name: Californian poppy. California poppy is also known as Golden Poppy, California Sunlight, Cup Of Gold and Flame Flower. The plant owes its name to the fact that the flowers close at night and in bad weather and because this plant can also help with sleep problems and stress, pain and anxiety. California poppy is a member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), just like: Stinking celandine, Yellow horn poppy, Plume poppy, False poppy, rough poppy, downy poppy, pale poppy, giant poppy, large poppy, sleepyhead, climbing poppy, hollow root, finger poppy, climbing pigeon grass, middle pigeon grass, common pigeon grass, yellow-white poppy and yellow poppy.
Californian Poppy is also a beautiful cut flower. As an added bonus, the flowers of the poppy are also edible. They have a delicious fresh taste that is wonderful as a garnish, in salads and in soups. People who do not have a garden can also enjoy the beautiful flowers of the Californian Poppy, as it can easily be grown in pots, containers and balcony boxes on balconies, for example. Californian Poppy needs a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Californian Poppy is a must in the garden, border, bee and butterfly garden, natural garden and wild garden. Californian Poppy self-seeds very easily. Californian Poppy is very easy to combine with the following plants: marigold, cornflower, large wax flower and nasturtium. Californian Poppy is very popular with bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. Remove dead flowers regularly. California poppy flowers from June to October. Non hardy annual. Height: 20 - 40 cm.
Outdoor sowing: March - May
Germination: 10 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 15 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: ¼ cm
Plant distance: 20 - 30 cm
Plant position: sunny and well drained
Flowering period: June - October
Sow outdoors on a sunny plot from March on. Loosen the soil and then broadcast the seeds. The seeds can be mixed with some sand to make the broadcasting easier. Rake in the seeds gently. Keep moist and weedfree. Thin the seedlings to 20-30 cm apart, when they're about 5 cm tall. Don't transplant Your Californian Poppy, because of their delicate rootsystem.
They've a good drought tolerance, so don't water them to much. This variety can be used to cover large patches of soil or to cover empty patches in borders. Deadhead the flowers regurlarly to make sure that they flower on till the end of the summer and beyond. Leave them alone after the flower period and they'll re-seed themselfs. This plant thrives on neglect. Remove spent flowers. Californian Poppy flowers from June till October.
