Melinda Myers

California Poppy

Botanical Name

Eschscholzia californica

Hardiness

Zones 8 to 10, grown as annual elsewhere

Height

12 to 15 inches

Width

12 to 15 inches

Flowers

Summer: orange, yellow, pink, red, salmon, white

Light

Full sun

Soil

Well-drained, dry

Planting & Care

• Good drainage is essential
• Fertilizing will inhibit flowers
• Deadhead to prolong bloom, but leave some for self sowing
• Because it is difficult to transplant, it is best to propagate by seed
• Sow seeds in the garden at the last frost
• In zones 6-10, seeds may be sown in fall

Problems

Bacterial blight, leaf mold and powdery mildew have been reported.

Varieties

• Thai Silk Series - silky, fluted flowers in a variety of bright colors, 10"
• Mission Bells - semi-double flowers with ruffled edges; red, pink, orange and yellow; 6"
• Buttermilk - cream flowers, blue-green foliage, 8-10"