China Doll Plant Radermachera Sinica Seeds
Look no further than these golden treasures. This variety represents the golden yellow form of the highly sought-after Orange California Poppy. It is exceptionally easy to cultivate, making it an excellent choice for individuals who are just beginning their gardening endeavors.
These poppies exhibit a behavior of opening and closing in response to sunlight, which is fitting for their native Golden State. The first species within the California poppy genus was discovered in 1816 by the German botanist Adelbert von Chamisso during an exploratory expedition to California and the Pacific Northwest. Chamisso named this genus "Eschscholzia" in honor of his colleague, Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz, who accompanied him on the journey. Approximately a dozen species of poppy thrive in the wild across the western United States.
Latin Name: Eschscholzia californica
Species Origin: Native Wildflower from the US
Type: Flowers for the Garden
Life Cycle: Annual, Tender Perennial
USDA Zones: 1 through 12
US Regions: California, Mountain areas, Arid/Desert regions, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern states, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 15,600
Stratification: No need for Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification required
Sunlight: Prefers Full Sun
Height: Reaches 16 Inches
Color: Bright Yellow
Bloom Season: Flowers in Early Summer and Late Summer
Uses: Great for Cut Flowers, Resistant to Deer
Sowing: Start planting in early spring by placing the seeds about 1/4" beneath the soil surface; keep the soil lightly moist until they germinate, which should take about 2-3 weeks at a temperature of 60-65 degrees. In USDA Zones 7 and above, you can also plant these seeds in the fall. Poppies don’t do well when transplanted, so if you start them indoors, make sure to plant them while they’re still very small.
Growing: Water the seedlings now and then, but cut back on watering as they grow; poppies handle drought pretty well and will only need water during really dry spells. They can thrive in most well-draining soils and can even adapt to coastal conditions. These plants don’t require rich soil and actually do better in poorer soil. To encourage more blooms, pinch off any faded flowers. Poppies like cooler temperatures, typically blooming in spring and early summer, and they go dormant when the summer heat kicks in. Even though they’re annuals, they will reseed themselves and come back the next year. Plus, they attract bees and butterflies.
Harvesting: To get the longest-lasting cut flowers, pick poppies that have just started to open; do this in the morning when they’re most hydrated. Sear the ends of the stems in boiling water or with a match, then quickly put them in cold water. Arrange them in a vase with room temperature water.
Seed Saving: When you’re saving seeds from the golden west California poppy, remember that the flowers can sometimes revert to the dominant orange or red colors. After the petals fall off, a capsule will form and change from green to tan. Since these capsules will eventually burst and release their seeds, cut them off as soon as they start to change color and the seeds inside turn grayish black. Lay the capsules out to dry for a few days, then split them open to collect the seeds. Store the cleaned golden west California poppy seeds in a cool, dry spot.
