Eschcholzia_californica

The Californian poppy, Eschcholzia californica, is one of the most dazzling summer annuals. In a warm year, flowering throughout summer, the satiny flowers and delicately fringed foliage form a compact growth structure (15x12cms/12x6in) excellent for bedding and dry, mixed borders. Eschcholzia come in gorgeous shades of orange, yellow and red and grow best in full sun, as blooms close at night and in dull weather. Good in seaside gardens. Autumn sow where plants are to bloom, or sow in March or April to flower later that year.

Summer Project

Taking semi-ripe cuttings
Semi-ripe cuttings are taken from growth made in the current year once the stems have started to become woody.

Step 1: Remove shoots about 10cm (4in) long with a sliver of old bark (a heel), or trim below a leaf joint.
Step 2: Remove lower leaves and pinch out the top of the cutting if very soft.
Step 3: Dip whole cutting into fungicide – wear rubber gloves to do this, then dip the base of the cutting into hormone rooting solution.

Step 4: Place a few cuttings round the edge of a pot that contains equal measures of peat-free compost and medium/fine horticultural vermiculite.

Step 5: Water and place the pot in a shady part of the garden; cuttings should root in six to eight weeks.