California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica

 California poppies have brilliant orange, cup-shaped flowers,  2-4 inches in diameter, born individually on long stalks with finely divided, gray-green foliage. They are an upright, compact perennial native to California and the southwestern United States. Poppies are extremely drought tolerant and ideal for arid environments.

California poppies tolerate the poor soil so prevalent in our state. California poppies are not easy to transplant. Sow seeds in fall or early spring directly into light to sandy soil where they will have full sun. (Poppies are generally not hardy below 20 degrees F.) Seeds should be planted ¼ or less deep. Plants grow 12-20 inches high and spread up to 20 inches. Flowers appear in spring and last throughout the summer. They look best when grouped in large drifts. Be careful not to dislodge seeds when watering.  California poppies are drought-tolerant and prefer well-drained soil. Water regularly to establish, but only an occasional deep watering is required once the plants are established. Overwatering will cause the roots to rot. As with most natives, fertilizing is  not needed.

The flowers are suitable for cutting but will close at night.  (The flowers remain closed during wet or cloudy  weather.) Take a bucket with you when you go out to cut the flowers. Place flower stems in water immediately after cutting. Remember that poppies are protected on all state and national lands. Please do not pick wild poppies. Unless you grow your own, please enjoy California poppies where they are most well-suited....gracing the beautiful California countryside.

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