These hardy, but short-lived perennial plants are usually grown as annuals. Grows to 5–60 in (13–152 cm) tall, with alternately branching, glaucous, blue-green foliage. The leaves are divided into round, lobed segments. Blooms are solitary on long stems which are silky-textured each with four petals. Flower colours range from yellow to orange, flowering from early spring through to fall. The petals close at night or in the cold, windy weather and open again the following morning. Flowers will remain closed in cloudy weather as well. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow California poppies from seed.
Latin
Eschscholzia californica
Family: Papaveraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy in Zone 8, but usually grown as an annual
Timing
Direct sow outdoors in spring after the local last frost date. Otherwise direct sow in autumn. It can be started indoors, but does not like being transplanted.
Starting
Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, spaced 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Seeds should sprout in 14-21 days.
Growing
Grow in any average, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to prevent self sowing. California poppies are very likely to self sow when conditions are favourable.