Poppy, California – Eschscholzia californica

Description

California Orange Poppy, Eschscholzia californica

An extremely drought-tolerant annual that will re-seed easily or a perennial in mild climates.  These beautiful 2-3″ funnel-shaped, golden-orange flowers are found on sandy slopes and grasslands throughout California and Oregon and the southwestern states.  California Orange Poppy is the state flower of California and is great for wildflower gardens, roadside, slopes, or meadows.  Occasionally colors vary from satiny cream to yellow or orange with finely textured, silver-green foliage.  Sow in the early spring and again mid-summer to achieve constant color in your garden.  Blooms appear in about 6 weeks.

Seeding: The California poppy should be directly seeded into the garden. It does not transplant well. Scatter seeds in early spring and again in mid-summer to have a continual bloom throughout the growing season. For fall planting, wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently freezing (Dec/Jan). Scatter seeds on bare soil, gently tamp seeds down, and water once after seeding. Seeds will lie dormant through the winter and germinate in spring

Color:  Yellow/Orange
Height: 10-18
Type:  Tender Perennial
Climate:  Full sun- Dry, well-drained soils.  Can tolerate some moist conditions.
Seeds/lb.: 248,000
Rate:  1oz./150 sq. ft.
Bloom time:  April to August
Packet wt.:  1.5 gm  (approx. 800 seeds)
Zone: 6a-10b

Pollinators:  The California poppy is most attractive to bumble bees, honey bees, sweat bees, and mining bees. Other visitors include butterflies and beetles.