Poppy Seeds - California
Flower Specifications
Approximate seeds per pound: 294,835
Season: Annual
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Height: 12 - 16 inches
Bloom Season: Mid-summer
Bloom Color: Orange
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions, pH 6.6 - 7.5
Deer Resistant: Yes
Latin Name: Eschscholzia Californica
Planting Directions
Temperature: 60 - 70F
Average Germ Time: 14 - 28 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: 1/8 inch
Sowing Rate: 4 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 10 pounds per acre
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 12 inches
Care & Maintenance: Poppy
California Poppy (Eschscholzia Californica) - The bright orange California Poppy wildflower was named for doctor-naturalist Johann Friedrich Gustav von Eschscholtz who was the surgeon for the Russian expedition team that dropped anchor in San Francisco in 1815 in a bay surrounded by hills covered with the golden flowers. The wild flowers were designated the state flower of California in 1903, and now are protected by state law prohibiting anyone from picking or destroying them when they are growing on public property. These Poppy flowers close at night or in cold, windy weather and open again the following morning, although they may remain closed in cloudy weather.
Attracts pollinators
California poppies attract butterflies and many different types of bees, including bumblebees, honeybees, and sweat bees!
Poppy seed | california
Flower Specifications
Despite its mild-weather origins, California Poppy seeds will grow quite well in cold climates, but only as an annual. Poppies can be used in beds, borders, and in naturalized settings, but generally they do not do well in containers. The foliage is attractive, finely divided and lacy with a bluish-green color.
The Poppy plants require full sun and good drainage to flourish, so they are particularly well-suited to rock gardens and dry, sandy soils. Because the plants develop a deep taproot they do not transplant well, and therefore the wildflower seed should be seeded directly in the garden where you want them to grow.
- Sowing Rate: 4 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 10 pounds per acre
- Average Germ Time: 14 - 28 days
- Keep moist until germination
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Depth: 1/8 inch
Flower Care
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and enhance the appearance of the plant. Removing spent flowers and seed pods will also reduce re-seeding. You may use a low nitrogen fertilizer like a 3-18-18 liquid fertilizer to promote good root growth without the additional foliage growth.
- Height: 12 - 16 inches
- USDA Zones: 3 - 9
- Season: Annual
- Deer Resistant: Yes