Californian Poppy Purple Gleam Seeds

A striking twist on the classic Californian poppy, Purple Gleam features silky cup shaped blooms in shades of rose mauve and soft purple.

 

The flowers open wide in full sun and close in shade or at night, creating a dynamic display that shifts with the light. Each plant forms a low mound of finely divided blue green foliage, adding texture and drought tolerance to borders, containers, and wildflower plantings.

 

Native to western North America, Californian poppies thrive in poor sandy soils and dry conditions. Purple Gleam is especially suited to gravel gardens, coastal schemes, and pollinator friendly borders.

 

Easy to grow and self seeding in mild climates, this variety offers long lasting colour and ecological value with minimal care.

 

Seed Qty Approx 1 gram

 

Sow March to May direct or indoors from February

Germination 7 to 21 days at 15 to 20°C

Soil and Position Free draining sandy or loamy soil in full sun

Height/Spread 25 to 40 cm tall, 20 to 30 cm spread

Flowering May to September

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist well drained compost. Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite. For indoor sowing, use trays or pots and maintain warmth at 15 to 20°C. Germination typically occurs within 1 to 3 weeks. Harden off and transplant after last frost, spacing 20 to 30 cm apart. For direct sowing, rake soil to a fine tilth and water gently after sowing.

 

Grow and Maintenance

 

Water seedlings regularly until established then reduce watering. Californian poppies prefer dry conditions and full sun. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. In mild climates they may self seed and return the following year. Avoid overfeeding as rich soils can reduce flowering.

 

Uses and Benefits

 

Rose mauve blooms for borders containers and wildflower gardens

Drought tolerant and ideal for coastal or low input planting schemes

Attracts bees butterflies and other beneficial insects

Pairs beautifully with white silver and blue toned companions

Easy to grow and rewarding for gardeners of all levels