California Poppy

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is California's official state flower, bearing delicate golden-orange blooms that bring a ray of sunshine to the garden. This heat-loving annual attracts pollinators, self-seeds readily from season to season, and is perfect for informal beds, country gardens, and borders.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Eschscholzia californica
• Type: Heirloom, non-GMO annual
• Blooms: Delicate golden-orange
• Habit: Heat-loving, self-seeding
• Bloom window: About 10 days before going dormant
• Sun: Full sun

Best for

• Informal beds and borders
• Country and cottage gardens
• Pollinator plantings
• Hot, dry sites
• Low-maintenance self-seeding color

How to grow

Direct sow in full sun, as poppies dislike being transplanted. They thrive in heat and lean soil with little fuss. Let some flowers go to seed and they will return on their own the following season.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based family seed company offering affordable heirloom and non-GMO seeds, with a mission to make home gardening accessible to everyone.