When gardeners think of California poppies, this is the flower that comes to mind. Majestic, elegant, and stunningly colorful, this wild orange poppy is year-in and year-out among our most popular species. Though California Poppy Flower Seeds can, of course, be planted in smaller plots, they tend to truly dazzle when planted in abundance. And for all you folks who actually live in the Golden State, this happens to be the California state flower.

The California Poppy, or Eschscholzia californica, is a stunning flowering plant that is native to the Western United States and Mexico. The plant is easy to cultivate and drought-tolerant, making it a popular choice for gardens. It’s also used as a food or garnish, and the seeds can be used in cooking. In 1903, the California Poppy became the official state flower of California due to its golden blooms, which perfectly represent the Golden State. This beautiful plant is perfect for sunny borders and meadows, and its unique beauty will add a touch of brilliance and charm to any landscape. Sow the seed in mid-spring or late summer to early autumn and just cover the seed, with germination typically taking 2-3 weeks. Autumn sown plants may require protection from frost in cold winters. Try growing California Poppies to enjoy their stunning colors and support native plants in your area.

Common Name    California poppy, golden poppy
Botanical Name    Eschscholzia californica
Family    Papaveraceae
Plant Type    Annual, herbaceous
Mature Size    1-2 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Sun Exposure    Full
Soil Type     Sandy, well-drained
Soil pH    Acidic, neutral
Bloom Time    Spring, summer
Flower Color    Orange, yellow
Hardiness Zones    6–10 (USDA)
Native Area    North America
Toxicity    Toxic to people, animals

California Poppy Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing California poppies:

Choose a sunny location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Plant in sandy, well-drained soil.
Water sporadically; only needs occasional water.
No fertilization is needed, especially when growing as an annual.
Deadhead for more blooms or leave heads on for reseeding for the next growing season.

Light
California poppies grow and bloom best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. The more sunlight, the better. Poppies grown in shady conditions often look ragged and easily succumb to diseases. 

Soil
Many flowers need rich, loamy soil, but California poppies can thrive in poor soils. Sandy and rocky soils both provide suitable conditions for California poppies. Heavy clay soil doesn't work because these plants need sharp soil drainage. Try planting in a raised garden bed or container if you have clay soil.

Water
California poppies require very little water and are good candidates for drought-tolerant xeriscapes. Sporadic spring rainfall is usually adequate to irrigate the plants. In areas with hot summers, the plants will often go dormant and need no additional irrigation during this time.

Temperature and Humidity
The warming of the soil in the spring, combined with moisture from the spring rain, will trigger the germination of California poppy seeds. California poppies will continue to grow as long as temperatures remain mild, between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Excessive heat can cause dormancy.

However, when cool temperatures return, the plants often will regrow and even rebloom. Moreover, California poppies prefer low to moderate humidity levels. In high humidity, good soil drainage and airflow around the plants are essential for them to stay healthy.

Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary to successfully grow California poppies, even in areas with nutrient-poor soil. Adding chemical fertilizers can cause excess foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

How to Grow California Poppies From Seed
California poppies are fast growing. It takes about 55 to 90 days for California poppies to mature. Depending on the temperature and conditions, germination can take 10 to 30 days.

Sow poppy seeds where you intend to grow them outdoors after the threat of frost has passed in your area.
Press the seeds lightly into the soil, watering gently to avoid dislodging the tiny seeds.
You can distinguish germinating poppy seeds from weeds by observing the bluish-green tint of poppy foliage.
Thin seedlings to about 8 inches apart.