Poppy #2
by Kathy Bassett
Title
Poppy #2
Artist
Kathy Bassett
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
These beautiful California poppies do not necessarily die out in colder weather. I find them to be returning friends in the spring, here in interior British Columbia, Canada.May 2016 It is a perennial or annual growing with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The leaves are alternately divided into round, lobed segments. The flowers are solitary on long stems, silky-textured, with four petals, each petal 2 to 6 cm (0.79 to 2.36 in) long and broad; flower color ranges from yellow to orange, with flowering from February to September in the northern hemisphere (spring, summer, autumn). The petals close at night or in cold, windy weather and open again the following morning, although they may remain closed in cloudy weather.The fruit is a slender, dehiscent capsule 3 to 9 cm (1.2 to 3.5 in) long, which splits in two to release the numerous small black or dark brown seeds. It survives mild winters in its native range, dying completely in colder climates.Direct seeding is preferable, as poppies do not like to have their roots disturbed. Sow in early spring when the soil is still cool and light frost is possible. May also be sown in the fall just before the ground freezes. Seeds will germinate in 10-15 days.Poppy plants are not heavy feeders. Too much fertilizer will cause plants to produce excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
Remove the spent blossoms, or use them as cuttings in flower arrangements, to extend the flowering season. Make sure to leave some faded flowers on the plants, especially later in the year, as poppies are self-seeding year to year.
Insects and Disease:Poppies have few pest problems. However, aphids and thrips can sometimes appear almost overnight. Watch closely for these soft-bodied, sucking insects and spray with a strong stream of water to reduce pest numbers. Apply insecticidal soap with pyrethrin if plants are badly infested.
Foliage and flowers are susceptible to moisture-related diseases, such as gray mold, downy mildew and powdery mildew, which can disfigure plants if severe. To reduce and prevent common plant diseases:
avoid overhead watering whenever possible
Properly space plants to improve air circulation
Apply organic fungicides to prevent further infection
Uploaded
May 16th, 2016
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