Matilija poppies in the low desert ?

[mitchtv]

Sunset gives them all zones, but I never see them around. Any insights?

[Ecumenist]

1. I don't know why they wouldn't prosper in the low desert. Are you in California?

They seem to love washes and fairly dry areas in California. Especially here in northern California. In the spring, you can see stands of them growing along the canyons and cliffs the run along the rivers. They don't like their feet wet, though. So, should you get yourself a plant or two, only water in the spring, summer and fall when it's particularly dry.

I would suggest that you get the actual plants because the seed needs smoke from fire to germinate, Literally. It's not impossible but it's no cakewalk either. You can get a packet that is mimics the chemicals in smoke when it's mixed with water to aid in germination but it ain't easy.

Hope that helps

[mitchtv]

2. I am in the Coachella Valley, and

I never see them. Its dry all the time here. I lost several scarlet wisteria(sesbania) last summer, and Sunset reccomends warmest part of the garden. I guess they weren't anticipating 120 degrees.
Oh yeah , I know about the seeds,, they recommend planting in a flat and burning pine neddles over them, propagation is best by root cuttings, I'm looking for plants.

[Ecumenist]

3. I'm in the Sacramento Valley and I don't see why they wouldn't

work there. We get REALLY HOT(110+),here,REALLY cold here and in fact we often get below freezing in the winter. They LOVE IT HERE. Why don't you try them out?