The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a vigorous and bushy annual plant. A real head turner, it adds wonderful pops of colour to your beds or pots and will even thrive in poor soil! Easy to grow and drought tolerant, these colourful flowers require minimum effort for maximum impact! If you’re new to Gardening the California Poppy is a fabulous starter flower, perfect for beginners learning their way. Here’s how I grow mine…
California Poppy History
The botanical name of the The California poppy, Eschscholzia, is named after the German surgeon and naturalist Friedrich Gustav von Eschscholtz, who first saw the California poppy when travelling on a Russian expedition ship in the early 19th century.
He witnessed the San Francisco Bay area hills emblazoned with swathes of California Poppies and documented them during his scientific expedition to California and the greater Pacific (circa 1810).
The early Spanish settlers of California called the California Coastline ‘the land of fire’ due to the vibrant orange colour of the California poppies, which lit up the Coastal Hillsides as ships approached.
In 1903 is was Named the California State flower and became a symbol of peace and resilience
They’re Kinda Shy!
Yep! The delicate California Poppy will not show you its heart if you place it in the shade. Quite simply, they will hide and close up if they are not basking in sunlight. The flowers will unfurl in sunshine and close at the fading of the light at night time.
California Poppy Characteristics
The California Poppy, also known as Eschscholzia californica, is a member of the Papaveraceae family. This annual plant has feathery blue-green leaves and bright cup-shaped flowers that are either Orange, Yellow, Pink or red. Each flower is atop 15-30 cm slender stems and around 7cm wide. The plant as a whole can achieve a spread of upto 30 cm.
Did You Know That California Poppies are Drought Tolerant ?
Beginner gardener? Forgot to water? Fear not…The tough California Poppy will forgive you! Eschscholzia Californica is a die hard plant that will thrive even in the driest conditions, here’s why…
These wonderful plants have a fleshy taproot which extend deep into the soil. This preserver of life stores everything the plant needs, including essential nutrients and water. The taproot serves to maintain the plant during periods of drought, allowing it to thrive in even the most arrid of environments.
As Well as the taproot, the feathery blue-green leaves of the California poppy are divided into segments, which is helpful to reduce the amount of water loss through transpiration. In short, the structure of the leaves allow the plant to conserve more water.
Planting Suggestions for the California Poppy
Their drought tolerant nature allows the California Poppy to thrive in many environments. Plant them in Rock Gardens, wild flower meadows, coastal gardens. Also perfect for vegetable gardens, informal gardens, cottage gardens, wild gardens and container gardens.
Plant them besides Sage, Lavenders, statice, salvias or alongside Cornflowers and Chamomile for that wildflower garden look!
How To Grow California Poppies
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When To Sow California Poppy Seeds
Sow Direct-Mid Spring (March- June) For flowers the Same Year
Sow Direct- Autumn (September) for flowers the following year
- California poppy seeds must be sown directly as they do not like to be transplanted.
- After all danger of frost has passed, choose a full sun spot and sow seeds around 1/8 depth, in drills with rows 30cm apart, into a prepared soil that has been raked to a fine tilth.
- Germination can take roughly 14-21 days.
- Once seedlings emerge thin them out to around 15 cm apart.
- Avoid overwatering once the plant is established
Should you Deadhead California Poppies?
Yes! Remove all faded flowers to encourage more blooms throughout the summer months
Will California Poppies self Seed?
Yes! California Poppies will readily self seed, producing flowers the following year
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