Eschscholzia californica

California poppy

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Taxonomy

Family Papaveraceae · Genus Eschscholzia

Description

Eschscholzia californica, the California poppy, is a cheerful, drought-tolerant wildflower with silky golden-orange blooms and feathery blue-green foliage. Easy to grow from seed, it thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soils, reseeding freely for reliable spring color.

Common Names

California poppyGolden poppyCalifornia sunlightCalifornia state flower

Context

nativeRegion

Western North America, especially California and Baja California; extends into parts of Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona.

usdaZones

6-10

companionPlants

Lupinus spp. (lupine), Nemophila menziesii (baby blue eyes), Clarkia amoena (farewell-to-spring), Penstemon spp., Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Salvia spp. (sages), Phacelia tanacetifolia

culturalUses

State flower of California; valued in xeriscapes and pollinator gardens. Historically used by Indigenous peoples as a mild sedative and for ornamental display.

Care

Care Requirements

LightFull sun (6–8+ hours). Tolerates light shade but blooms best in full sun.

WateringLow water. Keep seedlings evenly moist; once established, water sparingly and let soil dry between waterings.

SoilWell-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soils. pH ~6.0–7.5. Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged conditions.

FertilizerGenerally not needed. Excess nitrogen reduces flowering. If necessary, use a light, low-N feed once in spring.

HumidityPrefers dry air; no special humidity needed.

TemperatureBest at 50–75°F (10–24°C). Handles light frost; summer heat may trigger dormancy.

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitTaprooted, clump-forming herb; finely divided glaucous foliage with upright stems bearing satiny four-petaled flowers.

Mature Size8–18 in tall and 6–12 in wide (20–45 cm tall, 15–30 cm wide).

Growth RateFast from seed; often blooms 8–12 weeks after sowing in cool weather.

BloomingMain bloom spring to early summer; may rebloom in fall in mild climates. Flowers open in sun and close at night or on cloudy days.

DormancySummer dormant in heat/drought; acts as an annual in cold climates but readily reseeds.

Propagation

MethodsSeed (direct sow), Self-seeding, Transplant from deep plugs (with care)

DifficultyEasy

Best SeasonFall in mild-winter regions; very early spring in colder climates (as soon as soil is workable).

Maintenance & Notes

PruningDeadhead to prolong bloom; shear lightly after the first flush. Leave some seed pods if self-seeding is desired.

RepottingAvoid repotting; prefers direct sowing due to fragile taproot. If using plugs, choose deep cells and transplant with minimal disturbance.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-free. Watch for aphids, slugs/snails on seedlings, and damping-off or root rot in poorly drained, overwatered soils.

ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested (alkaloids); avoid consumption by pets and humans. Sap may irritate sensitive skin.

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