Thompson & Morgan Eschscholzia Mexicana Sun Shades - 1 Seed Packet (100 Seeds)
Eschscholzia Mexicana Sun Shades is a summer flowering, half-hardy annual that is easy to grow and...Eschscholzia Mexicana Sun Shades is a summer flowering, half-hardy annual that is easy to grow and thrives on poor, dry garden soils. The bright orange/yellow papery flowers are attractive to pollinating insects and make excellent cut flowers. This variety is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. Sow seeds directly outdoors where they are to grow from March to May, or in September for overwintering. Autumn sowings will flower in late spring. Choose a position in full sun on any poor, well-drained soil that has been finely raked. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in drills spaced 15cm (6") apart, and cover seeds with their own depth of soil to exclude light. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes 14-21 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 15cm (6") apart. Alternatively, sow California poppies indoors from February to March at a temperature of 15-21°C (60-70°F). Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until ready to plant outdoors. Product Specifications: 1 x packet (100 Californian Poppy Seeds). Position: Full Sun. Height: Up to 30cm (11.8in) when fully established. Spread: Up to 30cm (11.8in) when fully established. This hardy annual is supplied as 1 x packet of Eschscholzia Mexicana Sun Shades (100 seeds). Images shown are for guidance only of the expected results from plants upon maturity. Different growing conditions might vary results.
Thompson & Morgan Eschscholzia Mexicana Sun Shades are ideal for beginner gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance color. These half-hardy annual poppies thrive in poor, dry soils and full sun, attracting pollinators with their bright orange/yellow flowers. A potential caveat is that they require consistent watering during dry spells for optimal growth. This packet contains 100 seeds, offering an easy way to add cheerful blooms to borders, rockeries, or as cut flowers.
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Model Part Number
24106
Brand
Thompson & Morgan
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When is the best time to sow Eschscholzia Mexicana Sun Shades seeds?
You can sow seeds directly outdoors from March to May for summer flowering. For flowers in late spring, sow in September for overwintering.
What type of soil do these poppies prefer?
They thrive on poor, dry garden soils. Good drainage is important, and they do not require rich compost.
How much sun do these poppies need?
They require a position in full sun for the best flowering results.
How tall do Eschscholzia Mexicana Sun Shades grow?
They typically reach a height of up to 30cm (11.8 inches) when fully established.
Can I grow these indoors?
Yes, you can sow seeds indoors from February to March at a temperature of 15-21°C (60-70°F) and transplant them outdoors later.
Are these poppies suitable for attracting wildlife?
Yes, their bright flowers are attractive to pollinating insects such as bees.
How far apart should I space the plants?
After thinning seedlings, they should be spaced approximately 15cm (6 inches) apart.
Troubleshooting
Seeds not germinating
Ensure seeds are sown at the correct depth (1cm/1/2") and soil is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Maintain appropriate temperatures for indoor sowing. Autumn sowings may require a period of cold stratification.
Leggy or weak seedlings
This can indicate insufficient light. Ensure seedlings are placed in a bright location. Thinning seedlings to the recommended spacing helps prevent overcrowding.
Poor flowering
Confirm the plants are receiving full sun. Lack of sunlight is the most common cause of poor flowering. Also, ensure the soil is not overly rich, as poppies prefer leaner conditions.
Plants wilting
Check soil moisture. Wilting can be a sign of underwatering in hot weather, or overwatering if the soil is waterlogged and drainage is poor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy to grow, suitable for beginners.
Thrives in poor, dry soil conditions.
Attracts beneficial pollinators to the garden.
Provides bright, cheerful color throughout summer.
Excellent as cut flowers for indoor display.
Cons
Requires full sun for best results.
Needs regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Half-hardy, may not overwinter in colder climates without protection.
Germination can take up to 21 days, requiring patience.
Setup, Compatibility & Care Instructions
Sowing Outdoors:
Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil, finely raked.
Sow seeds directly outdoors from March to May.
For earlier blooms, sow in September for overwintering.
Sow seeds thinly in drills 15cm (6") apart.
Plant seeds at a depth of 1cm (1/2") and cover with soil to exclude light.
Water the ground regularly, particularly during dry spells.
Germination typically takes 14-21 days.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 15cm (6") apart.
Sowing Indoors:
Sow seeds from February to March in pots.
Maintain a temperature of 15-21°C (60-70°F).
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them.
Grow on in cooler conditions until ready to plant outdoors.
Care:
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering.
Soil: Prefers poor, well-drained soils. Does not require rich compost.
Position: Full sun is essential for best flowering.
Deadheading: Removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms.