How to grow California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Likes the spoil to be poor and a bit sandy. Doesn’t require much. Water when necessary. Want full to partial sun.

Deadhead regularly to ensure a long flowering period.

Growing California Poppy from seed

May be Winter Sown – sow seeds in mid-spring where you want them to flower.

Try to ensure a gap of at least 5.85 inches (15.0 cm) when sowing to prevent overcrowding your seedlings.

Harvesting California Poppy

Blooms june-september

How long does California Poppy take to grow?

These estimates for how long California Poppy takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take California Poppy to germinate?
9 days

Average 9 days | Min 2 days | Max 25 days (32)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out California Poppy?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until California Poppy is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 18 days

Average 18 days | Min 13 days | Max 32 days (2)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow California Poppy?
= days

California Poppy Folklore & Trivia

These wild flowers were designated the state flower of California in 1903.2 There is no law that specifically protects the poppy, however California Penal Code Section 384a does require written permission from the landowner before picking flowers or digging any plant.2 Landowners may pick them at will on their own property with no worries.2

Other names for California Poppy

California poppies, golden poppy, golden cup, Kalifornischer Mohn (German), Pavot de californie (French), Amapola de California (Spanish), Guldvalmue (Danish).

Misspellings: Californian poppy, amapola californian

Footnotes

1 Herbal Supplement Resource

2 California Department of Fish and Wildlife


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