How to Grow Californian Poppies From Seeds

If you’re looking to add a splash of vibrant colour to your garden, Californian poppies are a great choice. These beautiful flowers are easy to grow from seed and can add a cheerful touch to any landscape. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy a stunning display of these bright orange and yellow blooms all season long.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to successfully grow Californian poppies from seed. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you get started on your poppy-growing journey.

Firstly, let’s dive into the world of Californian poppies and discover how to make them a special addition to your garden.

Understanding Californian Poppies

What Are Californian Poppies?

Californian poppies, scientifically known as Eschscholzia californica, are enchanting wildflowers known for their vibrant blooms and adaptability. These annual or perennial plants are native to the western parts of North America, particularly California, where they thrive in the state’s diverse landscapes.

Native Habitat and Adaptability

In their native habitat, Californian poppies can be found in a wide range of environments, from arid deserts to grassy meadows and coastal cliffs. Their remarkable adaptability makes them a resilient choice for gardens across various climates.

Diverse Cultivars and Colour Variations

Variety in Colour and Form

When it comes to Californian poppies, gardeners have the pleasure of choosing from a delightful array of cultivars and colour variations. These include classic shades of golden orange and sunny yellow, as well as deeper hues like fiery red and creamy white. Some cultivars even offer unique pastel colours.

Distinctive Features

Apart from colour, Californian poppies also display variations in flower size and foliage. Some cultivars boast larger, more robust blossoms, while others may have finely divided, feathery leaves that add an extra layer of visual interest to your garden.

The Significance of Californian Poppies

State Flower of California

Californian poppies hold a special place in the hearts of Californians, as they are the official state flower. This recognition stems from their widespread presence throughout the state’s landscape and their role in enhancing its natural beauty. Learn more about their initial discovery here.

A Symbol of Resilience

These wildflowers symbolise resilience, as they can thrive even in challenging conditions. This quality aligns with the spirit of California and its ability to rebound from adversity, such as wildfires and droughts.

Learn How to Grow Californian Poppies From Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Growing Californian poppies from seed is a relatively straightforward process. These beautiful wildflowers are well-suited to many gardens due to their vibrant colours and low maintenance requirements.

Quick Info

Sow: spring and summer; and also autumn in mild climates

Seeds germinate: 10-15 days

Soil type: well-drained soil

Sunlight: Full sun

Flowers emerge: 60-75 days

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow Californian poppies from seed:

1. Choose the Right Location: Californian poppies prefer full sun, so select a sunny spot in your garden. They can tolerate some light shade but thrive in full sunlight.
2. Timing: Californian poppy seeds are best sown in spring and summer for blooming later in the season, however in mild climates, seeds can be sown in autumn for flowering in spring.
3. Prepare the Soil: Californian poppies are not too fussy about soil quality but prefer well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider amending it with organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
4. Sow the Seeds: Scatter the seeds directly on the soil surface. Don’t bury them deeply; they need light to germinate. You can lightly press them into the soil, so they make good contact with it.
5. Spacing: Space the seeds about 15cm apart. This will give the plants enough room to grow and spread.
6. Watering: Water the seeds lightly after sowing to moisten the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7-14 days. After germination, allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
7. Thinning: When the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out to achieve the desired spacing. Remove the weaker seedlings, leaving the strongest ones to grow.
8. Mulch: Applying a thin layer of mulch around the plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
9. Fertilisation: Californian poppies are not heavy feeders, so they typically don’t require much fertiliser. If your soil is particularly poor, you can use a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser sparingly.
10. Maintenance: Californian poppies are generally low-maintenance. They are drought-tolerant once established and don’t require frequent watering. Deadhead (remove spent flowers) to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if desired.
11. Pest and Disease Control: These plants are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but you should keep an eye out for aphids and snails/slugs. If necessary, treat with appropriate methods such as insecticidal soap or handpicking.
12. Harvest Seeds (Optional): Californian poppies readily self-seed. If you want to collect seeds for future planting, allow some flowers to go to seed. When the seed pods turn brown and dry, you can harvest the seeds by gently shaking them into a container.

Want to grow Californian poppies in your garden or send someone a Gift of Seeds? Shop here.