The state flower of California, this poppy is shaded yellow and orange and the flower heads waving in the summer breeze is a true delight of the garden. The flowers are beloved of the bees, and I planted a few seeds last year as companion plants for my dwarf Apple and Pear trees which are growing along the fence line in the front garden. In just one season, these few poppies self-seeded so readily that they now smother the planting row! Thinning out is a must if you want to be able to save space for the fruit trees themselves! The delicate grey-green foliage of the second generation plants sprouted in autumn when the soil was disturbed by my weeding efforts. Given their early development (and our mild Sydney winter) I anticipate that they will flower early on in spring this year. California poppies need full sun, and a well drained position. Keep the seeds moist for a few days to encourage germination, but once they have developed true leaves they pretty much look after themselves.

Collecting Seeds

Collecting seed from these fecund flowers is quite a fun experience. After a long flowering period, the petals drop, and an elongated seed pod forms. Unripe, it is a soft green curved spike, which hardens to a brittle brown when seeds are dry and ready for collecting. It is important to check seed pods regularly if you aim to collect seeds, as their method of seed distribution is like a loaded trebuchet. The hardened spike springs open as it dries, scattering its missiles far and wide. To capture the seeds, carefully enclose the unopened pod with your hand before touching it, so that when it springs open, the majority can be saved. Alternately, those pods which are slightly under-ripe (still hard and brown) can be easily encouraged to be opened in a more controlled manner by removing them from the plant before gently twisting them open. The seeds should already have dried out sufficiently on the plant, so simply store in a dry, airtight container. California poppies produce an abundance of seeds, so there are plenty to share with your friends!