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Mikado Red California Poppy is a sun-loving annual that brings theatrical drama to any garden with its silky, deep red petals that open each morning and close as evening falls. Hardy from zones 6 to 10 and reaching just 10 to 12 inches tall, this cultivar of Eschscholzia californica thrives in hot, dry conditions where many other flowers struggle. Blooming in 60 to 75 days from seed, it's a fast reward for gardeners seeking low-maintenance color without the fuss of constant watering.
Full Sun
Low
6-10
12in H x ?in W
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Low
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Mikado Red California Poppy petals unfold like silk each morning, responding to sunlight with an almost choreographed elegance before closing again at dusk. The deep red color is striking in mass plantings, where a single ounce of seed covers roughly 125 square feet of bare soil, creating a stunning low-growing carpet of color. Its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in hot, dry summers make it invaluable for water-conscious gardeners, while its compact 10 to 12 inch height works equally well along streets, in borders, or as a show-stopping groundcover.
Mikado Red California Poppy shines as a mass planting flower, creating bold sweeps of color across garden beds and borders. Its low, spreading habit and compact height make it excellent for edging along pathways and streets, where its drought tolerance means it can thrive in inhospitable spots where irrigation is limited. The flowers' light-responsive opening and closing movements add an interactive element that engages gardeners throughout the day.
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Sow Mikado Red California Poppy seeds directly into garden soil after the last frost date. Germination occurs best between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Scatter seeds thinly across prepared, bare soil and press gently into place; these poppies germinate readily in light and don't require darkness. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once they're large enough to handle.
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