California Poppy Mission Bells
California Poppy Mission Bells. The ultimate self seed ground cover annual that will grow almost anywhere and thrives on neglect. Mission Bells is our favourite variety by far producing an abundance of fully double, silky 2-3 inch flowers across a brilliant range of colours and shades on 6 to 8 inches stems, held above mounds of attractive feathery grey-green foliage. Loves hot, dry areas and poor soils. Excellent for seeding large areas and filling in the gaps in the herbaceous border. Blooms spring into summer, especially in cool weather. Great fillers in flower beds and containers.
Cultivation Advice California Poppy Mission Bells
- Plant seed directly outdoors early through mid-spring in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Cultivate soil, mix seeds with cup of sand or soil and broadcast lightly over planting area.
- Lightly rake into soil or cover lightly to a depth of 1/8 inch.
- Can be sown in the autumn in mild winter areas
- (they will self seed and survive the winter more than adequately by themselves).
- Keep soil moderately moist during germination.
- When plants are about 2 inches tall, thin 8 to 12 inches apart to get the best display.
- Poppies do not transplant well. Avoid over-watering once plants are established.
- Remove or cut off old flower bases for continued flowering throughout summer.
- Plants will self-sow if left to their own devices.
- California poppies thrive on a certain amount of neglect.
