California Poppy Ballerina Mix
$4.49
Eschscholzia Californica
- Seed Count 200
- Crumpled Silk Like Blooms
- Annual
- Height 40 cm
In stock
Description
The California Poppy hailing from the sun-drenched hills and coastal plains of California, this tough beauty has found a second home in Australian soils, where its adaptability and no-nonsense charm have made it a favourite among those who value both aesthetics and practicality. With its silky, cup-shaped, luminous blooms in glowing shades of orange, yellow, peach, cream, red, purple and rose-pink and its gentle fern-like foliage, it brings a splash of vibrant colour whilst requiring virtually no care.
What makes this plant particularly well-suited to Australian gardens is its innate toughness. Adapted to dry summers and well-draining soils, with a deep taproot that allows it to withstand drought, it a good choice for water-wise gardens. Once established, it’s a self-reliant grower, that will reseed and return year after year with minimal intervention.
This effortless spreading provides a relaxed, wildflower-meadow aesthetic to spaces, whether planted en masse in a cottage garden, scattered through rocky outcrops, dotted along pathways or grown in pots. If you are seeking a burst of colour that won’t buckle under the summer sun or demand constant coddling, these seeds are a small investment with lasting returns.
| Method: Sow direct or seedlings | Soil Temp: 10°C - 25°C |
| Cool Mountain: Nov - Dec | Position: Full Sun |
| Arid: Aug - Jan | Row Spacing: 30 cm |
| Temperate: Sep-Nov, Mar-Jun | Planting Depth: 3 mm |
| Sub Tropical: May - Oct | Harvest: 140 Days |
| Tropical: Jun - Aug | Plant Height: 60cm |
Soil and Location
Soil:
- Poppies prefer well drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6.07.0.
Location:
- Full sun is crucial; poppies thrive in areas that receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Growing from Seed
Cold Stratification:
- Some poppy seeds benefit from cold stratification, which mimics winter conditions.
- Read the article on cold stratification here.
Direct Sowing:
- Prepare a well-drained seedbed by loosening the soil and removing weeds.
- Sow seeds on the surface as they need light to germinate.
- No need to cover the seeds; just press them down lightly.
Growing in Trays:
- Fill seed trays with seed raising mix, water it, and then sprinkle seeds on the surface.
- Lightly press the seeds and mist with water.
- Keep in a warm, sunny spot and maintain moisture until germination, typically 7 – 14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings:
- Once seedlings develop a few true leaves and are about 5 – 7 cm tall, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
- Transplant to a prepared garden bed or larger pots, spacing them 20 – 30 cm apart.
Watering and Care
- Keep the soil consistently moist until established; then reduce watering.
- Avoid waterlogging, as poppy roots are sensitive to excessive moisture.
- Fertilise lightly with a balanced fertilizer when seedlings are established.
Companion Planting
Poppies can benefit from being planted alongside certain plants.
Good companion plants include:
- Nasturtiums: Deter pests and attract pollinators.
- Marigolds: Help repel nematodes and other pests.
- Coriander: Can attract beneficial insects.
- Basil: Improves the growth and flavour of nearby plants.
Consider avoiding strong-smelling plants and those that compete for nutrients, such as garlic and onions.
Pest and Disease Management
- Monitor for pests like aphids and slugs.
- Using natural predators can help manage these populations.
- Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting Seeds
- Allow the pods to dry on plants until they turn brown and brittle.
- Collect seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for future planting.
Postage Charge
Orders under $30 attract a $4.50 shipping charge. Orders $30 and above have free shipping.
Order Times
Seed orders are normally dispatched within three business days. You will receive an email when seeds are mailed out.
Postage Days
Seeds are mailed out Monday to Friday at 1pm. Except for the Friday of long weekends.
Postage Times
WA 2-3 Days: SA,NT 3-5 Days: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC: 5-7 Days
Carrier
We use Australia Post Letter Postage for the majority of orders
Not only are our seeds packed in recycled paper envelopes, we keep the theme going when we post out website orders. To protect your seeds from moisture and the letter box munchers (snails), we use a very special plastic free material made from plants. They are then put into recycled mailing envelopes. Green all the way 💚🌿
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