Eschscholzia californica
Botanical Name
Eschscholzia californica
Hardiness
Zones 8 to 10, grown as annual elsewhere
Height
12 to 15 inches
Width
12 to 15 inches
Flowers
Summer: orange, yellow, pink, red, salmon, white
Light
Full sun
Soil
Well-drained, dry
Planting and Care
Good drainage is essential. Fertilizing will inhibit flowers. Deadhead to prolong bloom, but leave some for self sowing. Because it is difficult to transplant, it is best to propagate by seed. Sow seeds in the garden at the last frost. In zones 6-10, seeds may be sown in fall.
Problems
Bacterial blight, leaf mold and powdery mildew have been reported.
Varieties to Consider
'Thai Silk' Series - silky, fluted flowers in a variety of bright colors, 10"
'Mission Bells' - semi-double fowers with ruffled edges; red, pink, orange and yellow; 6"
'Buttermilk' - cream flowers, blue-green foliage, 8-10"