California Poppies and their seeds

 

Yes this may look like a bunch of useless long thing-a-ma giggers. Nope at our last Seed Swap a women left me a large bag of California Poppy cuttings. LUCKY US !

I got right to work. Let me give you a bit of California Poppy information. Known also as California sunlight, cup of gold, golden poppy, and the list goes on. Grow from the United States to Mexico this flower is beautiful as well as very popular. Although it is illegal to pick poppy plants unless it is on a property you own or know the owner. 

It is an ornamental plant that flowers through out Spring and Summer. It has cup shaped flowers of yellow, orange or red. In the hills of Southern California there is are many beautiful area's near Gorman, Bear Valley and San Luis Obispo where the mountain's light up with Poppies in Spring through Summer. A popular go to destination for many locals as well as visitors. 

This little flower is also used for a garnish on many foods. 

In 1903 it became the official flower of California.

The petals close in the evening and open up the next morning. Although they do not open in cloudy weather. They are self pollinating and come back every year with the right soil and care. 

Here is a picture of the poppies ready to have the seeds released. I took the whole bag one section at a time and threw them into the colander.  

A little shake and smash a bit time consuming but worth the time. I got a load of beautiful seeds to share with all my neighbor's and friends. Plus many for our Little Seed Exchange Library. 

The seeds are tiny and so cute. I do think I will toss many of these little wonders on my hill, below the patio, by the barn. Ok TMI

We have plenty to share out in the Little Seed Exchange Library as well as at our Monthly Events.