Where to buy California Poppy and or Lupine seeds?

[Anonymous]

Hi there,Any suggestions for where to buy these? I read the concerns regarding possible hybridization, I feel the same way about exotic birds. I haven't seen any poppies within 1/2 a mile of where I'd like to plant. The area is near Mt Diablo, if that's helpful to figure out the right subspecies. Thanks in advance.</p>

[Anonymous]

Sue -

When buying native wildflower seeds, it is often best to deal with a smaller business that gathers its own seeds. This helps avoid planting of seeds from big organizations that produce their own, very limited genetic line. If there are no local seed companies in your area, maybe some local garden club members have seed to share.

It is also fun and rewarding to gather your own seeds, though of course you must get permission for private or public lands. The problem is complicated by the fact that Calif. poppy pods burst open all at once, scattering their seeds. They must be collected when mostly dry, and almost ready to pop. Then you put them in a paper envelope, where they will continue to ripen and will pop with seeds safely caught in the envelope. Lupine pods also pop suddenly, so the same treatments apply to them. Seeds of both plants can also be harvested by tying a little muslin bag around the ripening pod. The feet from old panyhose work, too. That way, the pods can ripen naturally on the plant.

You might try calling wildflower seed companies in the Bay Area and asking where they got their seeds. The two botanic gardens in the Berkeley hills are sometimes good sources for wildflower seeds, though I don't know if they would have something as common as Calif. poppy. The East Bay CNPS chapter may feature seeds at its huge annual sale, but that is over - happens the first weekend in October each year.

Another idea is to try Larner Seeds in Bolinas. I'm not sure where they get their seeds of Calif. poppy, but you can always ask. They carry some hybrid varieties that are most suited to urban areas where no other Calif. poppy populations exist.

Good Luck,

Lori Hubbart</p>