Started California Poppy at the wrong time — lessons learned

I planted California Poppy at entirely the wrong point in the growing calendar and spent the first few months wondering what I'd done wrong. rabbits and slugs targeting young seedlings didn't help matters. Once I understood sowing directly into poor soil as rich soil encourages weeds things improved substantially.

wide seasonal succession from spring to autumn is what makes this plant worth persisting with. In a container with a meadow mix for a balcony it finally looks as good as I'd imagined. cutting back meadow areas in autumn to remove thatch redeemed the whole effort. If you're starting out: do your timing research before you plant.