The California Poppy,
Eschscholzia californica is worthy of its role as the California State
flower. Eschscholzia californica grows so well in so much of the state. And the
blooming period is so long that flowers can be found for most of the
Spring and even into the Summer if there is a little irrigation. I
usually plant Eschscholzia californica seeds in the middle of the Fall with the first rains.
Care should be taken in planting California Poppies where they
already grow. The seeded varieties will interbreed with the local
natives and can in time shrink or even eliminate eliminate the native gene
pool. Most of the seed that is sold is Eschscholzia californica ssp
marina. This is a larger flowered poppy that is adapted to near
coastal conditions. I take the utmost care in choosing plants when
planting adjacent to wild areas.
The photograph was taken at the Poppy Reserve near Lancaster. The
middle of April until the first part of May is often the best time to visit the
poppy's there.
High
Resolution images of these and other poppy's are available.
Click Here -
This link takes you to an excellent resource for seeds for the California
Poppy, plant them responsibly.
