Poppy California Mission Bells

Annual. Blooms in spring and fall. 6" - 12" tall. Full sun. A stunning mix of white, yellow, orange, deep orange, scarlet-red and purple poppies. These silky saucer-shaped flowers look best when planted in mass groupings and wildflower areas. Blooms in the cool weather of spring and to a much lesser extent in the cool weather of fall and winter. Flowers are open in their full glory in the sun, but will close during cloudy days or if placed in the shade. Drought-tolerant. Does well in hot, dry areas once established. Pinching off spent flowers prolongs bloom period. Can be used as a cut flower if cut in the bud stage. Perennial in USDA zones 7 - 11, though foliage often over winters in other areas. Reseeds easily. Native America wildflower.

Spanish explorers searching for gold along the coast of California saw hills massed with golden yellow Poppies. The areas became known as "Land of Fire" and "Cup of Gold." Reports indicate that sailors could see the golden hills from 35 miles away!

OUTDOORS: Cold climates: Sow seed as soon as ground can be worked in early spring (2 - 6 weeks before last frost) for spring color. Warm climates: Sow seed in early fall for fall and spring color.

INDOORS: Not recommended. California Poppies have a long tap root that is VERY difficult to transplant.

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