California Poppy - Garden Basics - Flower - Annual ((Eschscholzia californica))

The bright yellow-orange flowers and finely divided gray-green foliage of the California poppy look best when planted in large drifts, although it grows well even in crevices of rockeries. Flowers appear in spring and last throughout the summer. They are suitable for cutting but will close at night. Place flowers in water immediately after cutting. Plants grow 12-20 inches high and spread up to 20 inches. The plant is not suitable for the tropics, but will grow well in most other climates. It must have full sun and well-drained soil, but will tolerate poor soil.

Sow seeds in fall or early spring directly in the garden as it is not easy to transplant. Seeds should be planted ¼ or less deep and take care not to dislodge seeds when watering. Water regularly to establish, and only an occasional deep watering is required thereafter. Plants are drought-tolerant and overwatering will cause the roots to rot. Fertilizing is usually not necessary and overferitlizing will cause an abundance of foliage with no flowers.

• Flower Type
  Annual (perennial)
• Bloom Time
  Spring and Fall
• Height
  6" to 12"
• Exposure
  Full Sun
• When to Sow Outside
  In cold climates, sow in spring as early as the soil can be worked. In warm climates, sow in fall for fall and early spring color.
• When to Sow Inside
  Does not transplant well.
• Seed Depth
  1/8"
• Seed Spacing
  1"
• Days to Emerge
  10
• Thinning
  When 1" tall thin to 6" apart