Flowering plantsEasy CarePet Safe
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
California poppy, the state flower of California, has silky orange cup-shaped flowers over blue-grey feathery foliage. It thrives in poor, dry soil and self-seeds into drifts.
Botanical FamilyPapaveraceae
Native RegionCalifornia and Oregon
Growth RateFast
Mature Size20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall
Bloom PeriodSpring to summer
Common NamesGolden poppy
Photo: Kaldari · CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Watering
Low
Water seedlings; then only in long droughts.
Soil
Poor, sandy, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–8.0.
Temperature and humidity
-10–35 °C · Low humidity
Feeding
No feeding needed.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed
Deadhead to extend flowering.
Not considered seriously toxic, though the plant has mild sedative compounds and should not be eaten.
Top Cultivation Tips
Sow directly; it hates transplanting.
Flowers close in cloudy weather.
Good for gravel gardens.
Comes in cream, pink and red too.
