The Meadow Foam is better known as the poached egg or fried egg because of the flower’s bright yellow center and wide white edge. An annual that grows in almost any soil condition or climate (except hot, tropical regions); it does especially well in the cool moist climate of the Pacific Northwest. The fragrant blossoms attract a number of helpful insects and pollinators, and are very becoming on borders, edges, and in rock gardens. The delicate flowers however, are not suitable for cutting.
As with most annuals, sowing seeds in the spring is the easiest method for propagation. Plant seeds in a sunny location where the soil contains a large amount of organic content; this maintains the high moisture levels that Meadow Foam plants prefer. Broadcast seeds and cover lightly, keeping the soil moist. Seedlings are easy to recognize and will begin to appear in about three weeks. Plants may be thinned as needed. Poached eggs commonly self-seed after flowering, but rarely become worrisome. Meadow Foam plants don’t transplant well; therefore it’s best to plant in place, rather than starting indoors and moving outside. In preferable climates, they can remain green all year.