FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 
hospitality offered, that it is now regarded as a troublesome, but still 
beautiful, weed. 
Species There are four forms of Eschscholtzia that are 
commonly regarded as distinct species, but most botanists 
regard them as mere varieties of— 
Eschscholtzia californica (Californian). 18 inches; flowers large, 
bright yellow, deeper tinted in the middle; the long pods resembling the 
seed-vessels of a Cruciferous plant. Flowering throughout the summer. 
E. cjsspitosa (tufted). 6 inches ; a dwarf compact variety, branched 
from near the base, but with less disposition to occupy a large area; 
leaf-segments very slender and thread-like. Flowers smaller, sometimes 
called tenuifolia. 
E. crocea (saffron). 1 foot; flowers of a rich saffron tint. 
E. compacta (compact). 1 foot; like cazspitosa, small flowered, 
yellow and orange. 
There are a great number of undoubted varieties produced by 
cultivation, with flowers white, pale yellow, pinkish, rosy, red, orange- 
crimson ; single and double. 
Cultivation Eschscholtzia is as easy of cultivation as Papaver. It 
flourishes in any soil, even in sea-sand, but it will not open 
its flowers except in the sunshine. We have stated that all the kinds 
are perennial, but as they bloom the first year it is the fashion to call 
and treat them as annuals, pulling them up when they have done 
flowering, and sowing fresh seed. Personal preference can be followed 
in this matter. It may be argued that when a plant has been flowering 
all the summer it is better to clear it away, and start afresh; on the 
other hand, plants that have been trimmed up after flowering, and have 
recuperated during the winter, are in a better position as well-established 
individuals to put forth a good display of blossoms. We should advise 
the adoption of both courses, and the comparison of results in your 
particular locality, to be followed later by adherence to the plan that 
succeeds most. The seeds may be sown either in the autumn or in the 
following February or March. We think autumn-sowing is the better 
mode, the young plants having had a longer preparation for flowering. 
The seed should be sown thinly where they are to bloom, as the seedlings 
do not bear transplanting well, unless it be done on a wet day. 
Description Of One branch of E. californica is here depicted, showing 
natow. leaves, unopened bud with its completely-joined sepals, 
open flower with essential organs, and a developing pod. Fig* 1 is a 
petal with a bundle of stamens attached to its base; 2, a receptacle from 
which both petals and stamens have been detached; 3, a reduced drawing 
