Description
California Poppy Seeds grow the classic western native wildflower with brilliant orange cup-shaped blooms that glow in full sun. The plants bring blue-green ferny foliage, easy direct-sown performance, and strong value for low-water borders, wildflower patches, and Mediterranean-style gardens with lean, well-drained soil.
Why Grow It
- Classic brilliant orange California state flower with warm golden centers.
- Native wildflower species for sunny, lean, well-drained soil.
- Perennial in zones 9-11 and commonly grown as an easy reseeding annual elsewhere.
Growing Information
| Botanical name | Eschscholzia californica |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Short-lived perennial in zones 9-11; commonly grown as an annual wildflower elsewhere and may reseed where happy |
| Mature height | About 12-18 in. tall |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom / harvest window | Spring to early summer; may rebloom after cool-season moisture in mild climates |
| Seed count | Approx. 200 seeds |
| Sowing advice | Direct sow in fall in mild Mediterranean climates or early spring after frost in colder areas. Surface sow or cover very lightly, and keep newly planted seed evenly moist until germination. |
| Spacing | Thin to 8-12 in. apart, or broadcast lightly for a naturalized wildflower patch |
| Germination | Usually 10-20 days in cool to mild, evenly moist conditions |
Best For
- orange wildflower patches
- California and western native-style gardens
- low-water sunny borders
- pollinator-friendly beds
- Mediterranean-climate plantings
Packet Details
Includes approx. 200 seeds. Store seeds cool, dry, and dark until sowing. Direct sow for the most natural, resilient stand.
FAQ
Is this the California state flower?
Yes. Eschscholzia californica is the California poppy, widely known as the California state flower.
Should I direct sow California poppy seed?
Yes. Direct sow where plants will flower because California poppies dislike transplant disturbance. Press seed into the soil surface and keep it moist until germination.
Does it need much water?
Keep the seedbed moist until seedlings establish. Mature plants prefer well-drained soil and handle dry-summer conditions better than many bedding flowers.
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