Frankly I hadnt thought of natural selection. I did make a note to myself to not sow so thick next time.Sowing is hard to control when its windy in Feb.

I had a good thick stand of yellow California poppies last year (my first poppies ever), and tons of pods cracked and dropped seeds before I could snatch them.

I was expecting a hugely thick growth, since probably 5 times as much seed fell as I had sown the year before.

Yet I'm only getting a light stand of volunteer reseeders this spring (so far).

What factors influence reseeding in poppies? We had a mild winter, and very frequent prizzle. It did get warm in January, then cold in February. I thoguht I saw almost as much foliage in early Feb as I do now.

I don't think California poppies are as aggressive reseeders as the somniferum. Maybe they don't like the cold as well?

thanks for the answer Woofie

Hey, that wasn't an answer, that was a wild guess!

welcome to the club

Hey, Jo Ann, OT, but was it you who posted that info on the cool gardening vest from Duluth Trading? Been trying to remember who it was....

Woffie yes it was me. I wear it everywhere.Great for shopping when you need hands free.
Garden too.

The original orange california poppies are stronger re-seeders than any of the newer colours.

I have to agree, Jo Ann! I went ahead and got one, even though I knew it would be too small....and had a friend enlarge it a bit for me. It is just great!

So, Caroline, do those California poppies reseed well in your area? I've never had either the CA poppies or the Shirley poppies reseed that noticeably here.

woofie.Mine was too small too I just dont close it in the front. I also used to have an Orvis mens fishing vest. Wish I knew where it was. Duluth called for a survey and I said they needed to offer "plus sizes"

Poppies do not reseed all that readily here.
Critters and neighbours take the seed pods before I can collect them.

That vest is pretty easy to enlarge. All you have to do is undo the side seams and add in however much fabric is needed. I can zip mine now (if I want to, but generally don't) and the pockets are a bit easier to reach. I looked at a lot of other vests and this one is just outstanding. Only problem is, I think I need a second one.....so I can wash this one!

My 1st poppy self seeder bloom noted this morning. I'll post pic later.

Wow, that seems early!

Most assuredly, checked last six years and previous 1st flower was at the end of May.

Mine are presently just a wash of green in all the places I'd rather not have them.

>> The original orange california poppies are stronger re-seeders than any of the newer colours.

Maybe that explains why they were the only ones I had luck with! Yellow-orange?

A few of mine sprouted in mid-winter (Zone 8 and a mild winter even for us). Then they just sat there, tiny, until now, when they started growing a little, and a few more have sprouted.

poppy

Thats a nice stand of poppies J