The California Poppy Mikado, 'Eschscholzia californica', has dramatic and unusual scarlet-orange flowers that are spectacular in mass plantings and wildflower areas. The California Poppy is a perennial that is usually grown as an annual. In zones 7-11, though, the foliage often overwinters. The scarlet, orange, silky, saucer shaped 2 to 3 inch flowers have 4 delicate paper-like petals. This Poppy blooms best in the cool weather of spring.The Mikado needs full sun. On cloudy days or in the shade, the blooms will close. The Mikado will grow in almost any soil that is well drained. Pinching off spent flowers increases the bloom period. In cold climates, plant as soon as the ground can be worked. In warm climates seed in fall for impressive spring color. The Poppy Mikado can be used as a cut flower, wildflower plantings, and for soil erosion control

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