Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene, also known as Lemmon's poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the Papaveraceae family. It is a unique and rare species that is native to the southwest region of the United States
Common Names
The common names of Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene include Lemmon's poppy, desert golden poppy, and Lemmon's goldpoppy.
Uses
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene has several uses in traditional medicine. It is known to have antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat bacterial and fungal infections. The plant contains alkaloids, which are known to have analgesic and sedative properties. In addition to medicinal uses, the plant is also used for ornamental purposes.
Appearance
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene is a low-growing perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 feet tall. It has greyish-green leaves that are finely dissected and hairy. The flowers are golden yellow in color with four petals and can reach up to 2 inches in diameter. The plant blooms from mid-spring to early summer.
Light Requirements
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to grow properly. The lack of sunlight can lead to stunted growth and weak blooming.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate to warm temperatures ranging from 55°F (12°C) to 80°F (27°C). It can tolerate extreme temperatures, but this may affect the quality of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene requires well-draining soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it requires soil that is not waterlogged. The plant is also sensitive to saline, alkaline, and acidic soils.
The ideal soil should be rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and should be amended with organic matter such as compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure.
Cultivation methods
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene, also known as lemmon's poppy, is a hardy annual plant that is easy to cultivate. The plant thrives in warm climates and sandy soils. It is native to the deserts of Southern California, Arizona, and Northern Mexico. The lemmon's poppy prefers full sun exposure, and it is ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers.
The plant grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has silver-gray leaves and produces abundant yellow flowers in the spring and summer months.
Watering needs
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene needs moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions; however, it needs regular watering during hot weather to maintain its foliage and blooming. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season or when the top soil layer is dry to the touch. Overwatering may lead to wilted foliage and root rot.
Fertilization
The lemmon's poppy does not require heavy fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer once a year can improve the plant's overall health and blooming. Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting the seeds or young plants, and lightly fertilize once a year during the growing season. Over-fertilization can result in foliage development at the expense of blooming.
Pruning
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene is low maintenance and does not require extensive pruning. Deadheading (removal of spent blooms) can encourage reblooming and extend the blooming season. Cut back the plant to the base after blooming to maintain its shape and prevent self-seeding. Self-seeding can result in unwanted plants in the following season.
Propagation of Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene, commonly known as Lemmon's poppy, is a native plant of California and is an attractive low-growing herbaceous perennial. The plant can be easily propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
Seed propagation is the most common method for germinating Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene. The plant produces large numbers of seeds that can be sown directly in the garden. To improve germination rates, it is recommended to refrigerate the seeds for a few weeks before sowing. Sow the seeds in a well-draining, sandy soil mix, cover lightly with soil, and water gently. The seedlings will appear in about two weeks. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings are well established.
Propagation by Division
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene can also be propagated by dividing the mature plants. The ideal time for division is in the early spring, just as new growth appears. To divide the plant, carefully dig up the entire clump and gently separate the roots. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil, water the soil, and keep the plants moist until they are well-established.
Propagation by Cuttings
Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene can also be propagated by cuttings. Take cuttings of new growth in the spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to retain moisture and place them in a bright, indirect light. The cuttings should root in about four weeks. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings are well-established.
Disease Management
Eschscholzia lemmonii, also known as the Lemmon's poppy, is prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Rust, on the other hand, appears as abnormally colored spots on the leaves and stems. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to remove affected plant parts by pruning and disposing of them. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
The Lemmon's poppy is relatively resistant to pests. However, aphids and spider mites may infest the plant. Aphids are small insects that feast on the leaves of the plant, while spider mites cause damage by piercing the plant to extract its sap. To manage these pests, it is recommended to wash the plant with a strong jet of water, which can dislodge the insects and mites. Applying insecticidal soap can also kill the insects without damaging the plant. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can help control the population of aphids and spider mites.
