CALIFORNIA POPPY SEEDS

Eschscholzia californica

This most ubiquitous of California wildflowers is among the easiest annuals to grow. Bright golden orange flowers fairly glow in the landscape in early summer. Typically grows to just over 1’. Fantastic with Baby Blue Eyes and Bird’s Eye Gilia.

Beyond its use as an ornamental annual, this species was used medicinally and ritually among native Californian tribes. The flower petals were strewn beneath the beds of children to help them sleep, poultice of the fresh roots and seedpods were applied the breasts of mothers wanting to dry their milk, and bits of fresh root were tucked into cavities to relieve toothache. And though we don’t think of it as a particularly useful medicinal species, it is commonly prescribed in Europe for anxiety and “restlessness” in children. If you feel compelled to make medicine from these plants, feel free to do so, as these seeds are from plants selected for medicinal use.

Scatter seeds into loose garden soil in spring and water. Thin to 3" or so. Blooms for a very short time where summers are hot. Petals stay closed on cloudy days, which is very charming indeed.

Packet contains 1000 seeds.