The ultimate wildflower, California Poppy adds the feel of broad sweeping meadows to even the smallest of plantings. The long stems hold vibrant reddish, cup-like flowers that add a casual beauty when naturalized on slopes or hillsides. A staple for erosion control mixtures, roadside plantings, and restoration projects. Great in rock gardens near drought-tolerant shrubs too. Tolerant of some filtered shade, it’s useful under oak trees. During a light breeze a large planting will have the flower heads gently swaying as a group. Be sure to add this beauty to your must-grow list of wildflowers.
California Poppy seeds are easy to grow and can readily reseed for next year.
Available in single packets and as bulk wildflower seeds.
A Brief History of California’s State Flower – The California Poppy
Found along the entire western coast of the United States, California Poppy grows as far north as Washington state and as far south as Mexico. It has also established itself in southern France, Australia and Chile, and can be grown as a garden flower in most areas of the U.S.
The flower is usually golden orange, and is referred to as “golden poppy,” hence its designation as the California (Golden State) flower. It was selected as the state flower by the California State Floral Society in December 1890, but the state legislature did not make the selection official until 1903. April 6 is designated as California Poppy Day.
Horticulturalists have produced many cultivars with a range of colors, blossoms and stem forms. However, these cultivars will typically not breed true on successive reseeding and will need to be replanted to see the cultivar's unique features.
California Poppy is drought-tolerant, self-seeding, and easy to grow in gardens. It is best grown as an annual, in full sun and sandy, well-drained, poor soil. Under irrigation it can act as a perennial.
Interesting fact: The genus “Eschscholzia” is named after Johann Friedrich Gustav von Eschscholtz (1793-1831), a German naturalist and entomologist who was an early explorer of the Pacific region.
| Live seeds per ounce (approx 28 grams): | 12,500 |
| Seeding rate per ounce: | 180 sq ft |
| Regions: | Coastal, Valley, Foothill & Desert below 7,000 ft. |
| Native To: | Western U.S. |
| Life Cycle: | Annual |
| Exposure: | Full sun to part shade |
| Height (in): | 6-24 |
| Bloom Period: | Mar-Oct |
| Flower Color(s): | Red |
| Establishment: | Fast |
| Water Requirements: | Very Low |
| Wildlife: | Pollinators. Birds attracted to seeds |
| Cultural Information: | Summer watering 1-2 times a month will prolong bloom and delay dormancy |
| Links to additional information and photos: | Stover Seed |
| Calphotos |