Perfect for novice gardeners. Position: full sun Soil: poor, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: June to August Hardiness: fully hardy annual (will die after flowering, but usually self-seeds) Californian poppies are incredibly easy to grow (they even flourish in very poor soils) but they will put on a dazzling, summer-long performance. The 'Mission Bells' mix contains a brightly coloured blend of white, red, yellow and pink shades, which are perfect for cottage gardens and meadows, although they look great in any naturalised setting. The bees love them and they also make excellent if short-lived cut-flowers. Garden care: Prepare the bed well and sow shallowly into drills from March to May where they are to flower. When large enough to handle thin out the seedlings to 10 - 15cm apart, taking care not to damage the tap root. Water when necessary, but avoid excessively wet conditions. Sow: March-May or August-September Flowering: June-August Approximate quantity: 425 seeds
