Amapola - The Poppy Flower

Where flowers bloom so does hope - Lady Bird Johnson, First Lady of the United States

This is exactly what a flower to me is - hope; hope of a new beginning, even when it fades away. It fades away only to bloom again. Of all the beautiful flowers, a bed of golden poppies can be quite captivating.

History of Amapola Poppy: The scientific name for the Amapola poppy is Eschscholzia californica, named after Johann Friedrich Eschscholtz, a Russian ship's doctor. In 1890, the California State Floral Society selected the California poppy as its state flower. April 6 is celebrated as the California Poppy Day. Spanish explorers named the poppy as 'copa de oro', cup of gold. The Indians often told the tale of poppy blooms depositing gold in the earth. Owing to this 'gold' connection, the California poppy symbolizes wealth and success.

California Poppy Habitat: The California poppy is a spring flower that requires a sunny and open spot to grow. It can also grow in sandy places and rocky areas. These flowers are most common in California and also in Southern Washington, Nevada, New Mexico, and Northwest Baja. The poppy can now be grown in any garden, anywhere in the world. Seeds are easily available in shades of yellow and orange with dashes of red.

Growing Poppy Flowers: Seeds can be sowed bi-annually in autumn and spring, for continuous showing in early summer and late spring. Soil must be well prepared and the pH balance should be maintained at neutral. Seeds can be directly sowed or thinned later. Sow 0.25cm deep in the soil. Keep moist and cover. The cover should be removed as soon as the saplings sprout. Inadequate sunlight would result in either the death of the sapling or poor flower show. Transplant at a four-leaf stage. Feed it with liquid manure, when the buds first appear. They are mostly insect and pest-resistant.

Flower Description: The California poppies have a bright sun-kissed orange color, hence the name golden poppy. They are generally single-petaled. They bloom completely when it is sunny and close at night or on cloudy days. The flower stem is usually 5 to 20 inches tall. The seeds are found in the center of the flower. Insects are the main pollinators. American botanist, Richard Spellenberg says, "The fragrance attracts many beetles which serve as pollinators".

Uses of California Poppies: The plant, root, flower and seeds of the California poppy are used for therapeutic medicinal purposes. Unlike the red poppy, the California poppy is milder in sedating, is analgesic and has antispasmodic properties. It is dried and used to prepare diffusions, tincture and powder. Following is the list of its uses.

• It helps to normalize psychological function without depressing the central nervous system.
• It treats insomnia, anxiety and bed wetting in children.
• It helps in treating behavioral disorders such as ADD and ADHD in children and young adults.
• The California flowers treatment method that uses the flower essence to treat learning disabilities like dyslexia in children, is a widely accepted treatment.
• California poppies help relieve toothache.
• They are a remedy for high fever, rapid pulse and persistent spasmodic cough.
• They help to contain head lice.
• The tincture is used to treats cuts and scrapes.

Flower Arrangements: California poppy flower arrangement can liven up the dullest corner with its golden hues. A mix of other colors and varieties can also be added, as per the requirement.

Must See: The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is 15 miles west of Lancaster. The park offers free guided public tours daily. Another place worth a visit, is The California Poppies at Morro Bay State Park.

A garden full of the golden California poppies would be a joy forever. Blooms, that would deposit 'gold' in my front yard would also be welcome.