California Poppy Ballerina Mix (Eschscholzia californica) is a stunning heirloom variety known for its vibrant mix of delicate, ruffled double blooms in shades of bright rose, red, purple, orange, white, and yellow. It is easy to grow, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Known for its hardiness, this poppy thrives in sunny, dry conditions, making it perfect for xeriscaping and pollinator-friendly gardens.
Its colorful blooms are not only ornamental but also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Though an annual, these poppies will readily reseed themselves if allowed, returning year after year to bring consistent beauty to your garden.
Common Names: California Poppy Ballerina Mix
Latin Name: Eschscholzia californica
Type: Flower
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 6 - 10
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Low to Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
Height: 12-18 inches
Spread: 6-12 inches
Color: Mix of orange, pink, and yellow flowers
Bloom Season: Spring to Fall
Companion Plants: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants (California Poppies attract beneficial insects that help control pests like aphids, making them great companions for these crops.)
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in hot, dry climates
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Sow directly outdoors in early spring or fall. Best sown after the last frost in spring or in mild winter climates in fall.
When to Start Inside:
Not recommended; California poppies prefer direct sowing.
Days to Emerge:
10-15 days
Seed Depth:
Surface-sow seeds, barely covering them with soil.
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 4-6 inches apart.
Hardiness:
Frost-tolerant; hardy in mild winter climates.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
California Poppy Ballerina Mix thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soils but prefers nutrient-rich soil for best bloom production.
Watering:
Requires minimal watering once established. Water sparingly and avoid waterlogged soil.
Light and Temperature:
Thrives in full sun and tolerates heat and drought. Best grown in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F.
Maintenance:
Low-maintenance plant. Deadheading can prolong blooming, but it is not necessary as it will self-seed in favorable conditions.
Container Friendly:
Ideal for containers, as long as they have good drainage. Requires less water in containers compared to in-ground planting.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest blooms as they open for fresh flower arrangements or wait for seed pods to dry on the plant for seed collection.
How to Harvest:
Gently pinch flowers off at the base for fresh use. For seed saving, allow pods to dry on the plant before collecting.
Drying and Storing:
Flowers can be dried for ornamental uses. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Edible Use:
The flowers are not edible, but they have been used historically in traditional medicine.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow the seed pods to dry on the plant. Once brown and dry, collect the pods to save seeds.
Seed Cleaning:
Remove seeds from the dried pods and clean off any remaining plant debris.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years if properly stored.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
California Poppies are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making them an excellent addition to any pollinator garden.
Origin:
Native to California and the southwestern United States.
Nomenclature:
Named after the German botanist Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz, who documented the species during an expedition along the California coast.
History:
California Poppies have been used in Native American herbal remedies and are now the official state flower of California. The Ballerina Mix offers a unique twist on the traditional orange California poppy with its varied color palette.
Climate Adaptability:
Well-suited to dry, sunny climates, California Poppy Ballerina Mix is drought-tolerant and performs well in xeriscapes or low-water gardens.
