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California Poppy 'Purple Gleam'
Seed Packet

California Poppy 'Purple Gleam'

Eschscholzia californica
The French name is "Bonnets-qui-tombent from the irresistible nightcap which one is so tempted to pull off the awakening flower," wrote Celia Thaxter in 1894. After this nightcap, or more appropriately, the sepals fall, silky blooms unfurl under the morning sun in summer. Self-sows.
SKU #S267
$3.25
Growing Companions
Verbena - Vervain
Verbena - Vervain
German Catchfly 'Blue Angel'
German Catchfly 'Blue Angel'
Sweet Alyssum 'Paletta Mix'
Sweet Alyssum 'Paletta Mix'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
162
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Hardy Annual
Mature Size
8-12" h x 6" w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular, well-drained
Season
Spring to fall
Color
Purple pink
Features
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow and press in or light cover to 1/8".
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
8-10 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Start in containers 4 weeks before last spring frost. Keep at 60-65°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Recommended. Direct sow in early spring or fall; late winter in mild winter areas (zones 8-10).
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
In springtime, at last frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
California poppy Purple Gleam is a beguiling wildflower with teardrop buds opening to silky lustrous cups, closing in the evening and when cloudy weather reigns. They self sow readily and often find just the right spot to grow—along dry garden edges, rock gardens and gravelly spots where little else grows. Best in areas where summer nights cool down, where they bloom long, elsewhere a spring to summer delight, especially when grown in large drifts. Deadhead.
Final Spacing:
8"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week is plenty—drought tolerant and will likely not need watering except during particularly dry spells. However, regular watering may encourage more blossoms.
Soil pH:
No pH preference.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a granular organic flower fertilizer with low nitrogen in poor soils.
Diseases & Pests:
No major pests or diseases.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Not suitable for cut flowers.