As the state flower of California, California poppies, hardy in Zones 6-10, grow wild in many meadows and prairies there and elsewhere. In a home garden setting, they are typically treated as an annual, but California poppies are short-lived perennials where hardy. They easily reseed in the garden for years to come. Even when not in bloom, these plants feature soft foliage tufts that add pleasing texture to the landscape.
California poppies are often found in bright sunset tones, but the most common color is bright orange. Some varieties bear bicolor blossoms. Many of these blend ivory with pink, purple, and even yellow. Some types exhibit a second row of petals for a double-flower effect, and others feature twisted petals. The flowers of the California poppy will close at night and on overcast and windy days. The blue-gray foliage makes a pretty statement against plants with darker leaves.
California Poppy Overview
Where to Plant California Poppy
Being native to hillsides, sandy plains, and other open areas of the mountainous regions of western North America, California poppies require a sunny location with well-drained soil.
How and When to Plant California Poppy
Sow California poppy seeds directly in the ground. If California poppies are happy where you've planted them, there's a good chance they'll seed the ground on their own and sprout up year after year.
California Poppy Care Tips
In their native areas, California poppies are often seen as cool-season annuals because they will put on their primary display of blooms in spring and possibly a second show in fall.
Light
For best results, grow California poppies in full sun. This placement will ensure plants put on the best display of blossoms and the densest growth possible. However, in hot climates, they may not survive in the full heat of summer. It may be best to provide shade in these situations—especially from the hot afternoon sun.
Soil and Water
Sandy or rocky soils are best, and anything that remains too wet can kill off poppies. California poppies are drought tolerant. They won't do well in clay soil, because they need soil to be well-draining.
Temperature and Humidity
Poppies will grow continually in moderate temperatures between 50ºF and 75ºF. When it gets very hot, California poppies will go dormant but rebloom when cool weather returns. Humidity can be hard on poppies, which prefer drier air.
Fertilizer
Being native to sandy, well-drained soils means that California poppies don't require a lot of added nutrients or even nutrient-rich soil to thrive, so there's no need for fertilizer.
Pruning
Deadheading will encourage more blooms, but leave some spent blooms for self-seeding if that's your goal.
Potting and Repotting California Poppy
To grow poppies in containers, use good-quality potting soil and a well-draining pot. Lay the seeds on top of the soil to allow light for germination. Once the seedlings reach 5 inches, thin them out in the pot to allow for better, healthier plants.
Pests and Problems
The biggest problem California poppies run into is overly-wet soil. When they get too wet, mildew and fungi can develop. Keep them in full sun and well-draining soil, especially where there tends to be more rain.
How to Propagate California Poppy
If your goal is to keep California poppies growing season after season, be sure to leave spent blossoms on plants so they can disperse their seeds.
Types of California Poppy
'Sunset' California Poppy
Eschscholzia 'Sunset Mixed Colors' bears a variety of warm shades on 1-foot-tall plants.
'Summer Sorbet' California Poppy
Eschscholzia 'Summer Sorbet' grows to 10 inches tall and offers ruffled, rose-pink blooms.
'Carmine King' California Poppy
Eschscholzia 'Carmine King' boasts deep rose blossoms that shine in the sunlight; some have a light ivory blush.
'Thai Silk Lemon Blush' California Poppy
Eschscholzia 'Thai Silk Lemon Blush' grows to 10 inches tall and offers creamy-yellow blooms.
California Poppy Companion Plants
Globe Amaranth
Globe amaranth seems to have it all—it thrives in hot conditions, blooms nearly nonstop, the interesting pom-pom flowers are great for cutting and drying, and it attracts butterflies. Plant globe amaranth and then step back to watch it thrive until frost. It's great in beds, borders, and containers. Plant established seedlings outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Zones 2-8
Lisianthus
Lisianthus flowers make people ooh and ahh. And lisianthus is one of the best cut flowers—it will last in the vase for two to three weeks. Lisianthus can be challenging to grow. They're extremely tricky to grow from seed, so start with established seedlings. Taller varieties of lisianthus often need staking to keep their long stems from breaking, but newer dwarf varieties are more carefree. Zones 8-10
Zinnia
A packet of zinnia seeds will fill an area with flowers in an array of shapes and colors—even green! And it will happen in just weeks. Zinnias are so highly attractive to butterflies that you can count on having these fluttering guests dining in your garden every afternoon. But to attract the most, plant lots of tall, red, or hot pink zinnias in a large patch. Zones 2-11
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is California poppy the state's flower?On March 2, 1903, the California poppy became the official state flower of California. It's thought that the plant's golden color represents the gold rush that made California a destination in the 19th century.
On March 2, 1903, the California poppy became the official state flower of California. It's thought that the plant's golden color represents the gold rush that made California a destination in the 19th century.
- Is it illegal to grow poppies?There are many types of poppies for your garden, but the Papaver somniferum poppy is illegal to have in your possession, whether you buy it or grow it. According to the DEA, the entire plant, except the seeds, is defined as opium, and it's considered a Schedule II product.
There are many types of poppies for your garden, but the Papaver somniferum poppy is illegal to have in your possession, whether you buy it or grow it. According to the DEA, the entire plant, except the seeds, is defined as opium, and it's considered a Schedule II product.