Hardy, but short-lived perennial. Usually grown as an annual. Follow along with this handy How to Grow California Poppies Guide and grow some history.! 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 February to September. 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.
Latin
Eschscholzia californica
Family: Papaveraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 1-10, winter hardy in 8-10
Timing
Direct sow outdoors in spring after last frost – mid-March on the coast, or 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. Very likely to self sow.
