Mission Bells California Poppy Vegetable Garden Seeds - Below Standard - Low Germ

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Germination Details

• Germination: 56%
• Federal and State (Utah) Requirements: 60%
• Suggested Use/s: Gardening
• Special Directions: This seed is 4% below standard. Increase the number of seeds you plant accordingly to make sure you get the growth you envision.

What is "Below Standard Seed"?

Simply put, it is seed that doesn't meet our state's (Utah) germination standard, a standard that varies slightly from seed to seed. Any seed intended for gardening that has a below standard germination rate cannot be sold alongside those that meet the state requirements (which often reflect the national requirements for germination).

We send samples of all our seed to the Utah Department of Agriculture, where they perform several tests to assess the quality of the seed. These state-wide and national seed standards are in line with Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA), which exist to ensure consumers that they are getting the highest quality seed, as advertised. Since this seed doesn't meet the state standard, we mark it as "Below Standard Seed".

Low germination seeds are non-refundable.

Click here to view regularly priced, high germination seed.

Growing Mission Bells California Poppy from Seed

Mission Bells California poppy seeds are frost tolerant and can be sown directly outdoors in either late fall or early spring. California poppy seeds have a wildflower growth habit and can be broadcasted similarly. Blend 1 part Mission Bells California poppy seed to 5 parts sand to increase visibility during sowing and lightly rake and tamp. For earliest spring blooms, begin California poppy seeds indoors 2-3 weeks prior and transplant to either indoors or out.

Plant 2-3 Mission Bells California poppy seeds ¼" deep and 8" apart in average, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun, or broadcast seed-sand mix directly. Mission Bells California poppy seeds thrive in cool summers and will not perform well in high humidity and intense summer heat. Mission Bells California poppies are susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew, and botrytis fungus in wet and poorly drained soils. California poppies have no serious pests or diseases. Mission Bells California poppy seeds mature in 56-70 days as 12" tall upright shrubs with an 8-12" spread and classic 2 "3" poppy blooms in a mix of peach, rose, canary, magenta, white, and bronze.

About California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica is native to the cool and moderate expanses of the western United States and Mexico and has been the official state flower of California since 1903. Colusa and San Luis Obispo counties are homes to stunning and natural rolling meadows of the iconic golden orange California poppy. The genus Eschscholzia honors pioneering Baltic German naturalist and entomologist Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz who explored California and the greater Pacific northwest in the early 19th Century.

Can't decide among all the variants of this beautiful wildflower? This irresistibly cheery mix brings together semi-doubled blooms in white, gold, orange and red. Makes a stunning accent or drought-tolerant mass planting. Also suitable for containers. Readily re-seeds.

Seeds Per Package

• 1 oz - Approximately 18,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 72,000 Seeds