The California poppy is a dazzling wildflower celebrated for its vibrant golden-orange blooms and its association with the landscapes of California. The California poppy features bowl-shaped flowers with four delicate, crepe-paper-like petals. The petals are typically a radiant shade of golden-orange, though they can also be found in hues of yellow, red, and pink. The flowers bloom singly on long, slender stems, creating a beautiful contrast against their bluish-green, finely divided foliage.
Product Information
- Botanic Name: Eschscholzia californica
- Application or Use: Ornamental, Conservation, Habitat
- Germination Time: 14 - 21 days, under optimal conditions
- Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season
- Height: 12 - 18 inches
- Sunlight Requirements: 8+ hours, full sun for best results
- Advantages: Adapted to many soil types; showy blooms, excellent for landscaping; attracts pollinators.
- When to Plant: See instructions tab.
Product Information
These plants typically reach heights of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm), though they can sometimes grow taller under optimal conditions.
California poppies generally bloom from late winter to early summer, painting the landscape with their vibrant colors. They often close at night or during overcast weather but reopen in the warmth of the sun.
The foliage consists of finely divided, fern-like leaves that grow along the stems. The leaves have a silvery-green appearance and add to the plant's overall attractiveness.
California poppies thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun. They are relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand dry conditions once established, making them suitable for arid or rocky landscapes.
These poppies are cherished for their ornamental value in gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. They're often used in wildflower mixes and are excellent for adding vibrant color to landscapes. They're also well-suited to xeriscaping due to their ability to tolerate dry conditions.
The California poppy is the official state flower of California and holds symbolic significance, representing the state's natural beauty.
California poppy's stunning golden blooms, adaptability to various growing conditions, and its cultural significance make it a beloved wildflower in gardens and natural landscapes, particularly in regions with mild climates.
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Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region:
Southeast
- Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and harden off before frost.
- Spring: A good time to plant wildflowers, especially annual species that flower quickly. Plant after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed to around 55°F, typically occurring within a month or so after the final frost of winter; this ensures the seeds can germinate properly without being affected by cold weather.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Southwest
- Fall: A good time to plant spring wildflowers in the desert Southwest. Fall's cooler temperatures and seasonal rains help seeds germinate. In the mountains, you can plant after spring frosts.
- Winter: In areas that get snow, winter seeding can give seeds an advantage in the spring.
- Spring: A popular time to plant wildflowers in most states. You can plant after the last frost and when the soil temperature is at least 55°F. In warmer climates, you can plant at the end of the rainy season.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Northeast
- Fall, Winter: The best time to plant wildflowers in the Northeast is in late fall, after the first frost but before heavy snow. This is known as dormant seeding and can take place from November to December. Cold temperatures and damp soil during the winter help wildflower seeds germinate.
- Spring: Plant in early spring, after the ground has thawed and soil temperatures reach around 55-65°F. This is a popular time to plant wildflowers because it's typically rainier, which helps water seedlings.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Midwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Western
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Pacific Northwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: In cooler zones with higher elevation, you can plant wildflowers in late spring to early summer, after the risk of frost has passed. You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
California Poppy Wildflower Seed
The California poppy is a dazzling wildflower celebrated for its vibrant golden-orange blooms and its association with the landscapes of California. The California poppy features bowl-shaped flowers with four delicate, crepe-paper-like petals. The petals are typically a radiant shade of golden-orange, though they can also be found in hues of yellow, red, and pink. The flowers bloom singly on long, slender stems, creating a beautiful contrast against their bluish-green, finely divided foliage.
Instructions
For more info on planting instructions and tips for the best results – check out our Warranty & Planting Information here!
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region: Southeast Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and...
California Poppy Wildflower Seed
The California poppy is a dazzling wildflower celebrated for its vibrant golden-orange blooms and its association with the landscapes of California. The California poppy features bowl-shaped flowers with four delicate, crepe-paper-like petals. The petals are typically a radiant shade of golden-orange, though they can also be found in hues of yellow, red, and pink. The flowers bloom singly on long, slender stems, creating a beautiful contrast against their bluish-green, finely divided foliage.
