Start growing
Scatter seeds on surface. Needs full sun and poor, sandy soil. Taproot hates transplanting.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
California Poppy care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Eschscholzia californica
- Common names
- Golden Poppy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Genus
- Eschscholzia
- Species
- E. californica
Growing with your kit
The Seeds In A Cup® kit uses a biodegradable pot option to plant directly without disturbing the taproot.
Propagation
By seed.
Seasonal growth & harvest
Blooms spring to summer; flowers close at night or on cloudy days.
Growing conditions
Open sunny areas, deserts, and grassy slopes.
Weather & tolerances
Extreme drought tolerance.
Pests & plant health
Mold in wet conditions.
Plant safety
Mildly sedative/narcotic properties; generally safe but bitter.
Botanical features
A short-lived perennial (grown as annual) with silky orange/yellow petals and fern-like blue-green leaves.
Varieties
‘Mission Bells’, ‘Thai Silk’.
Garden & everyday uses
Xeriscaping, state flower of California
Native range & distribution
Native to California and Oregon.
Conservation
Secure.
Name origins
Named after Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz.
History
Early Spanish explorers called it the 'Cup of Gold' (Copa de Oro).
Grow california poppy in a cup.
Seed Germination Kit
California Poppy Seed Starter Grow Kit
USD 10.99
Currently unavailable
Eschscholzia californica
10-14 daysView kit →