Eschscholzia californica

California poppy
California poppy is the symbol of our state and among the easiest plants to grow. Long season of shimmering gold orange bloom on delicate, ferny foliage. Self-sows readily for generations.
height 3–18in
width 4–20in
tolerates Coast, Cold, Cool Summers, Drought, Fog, Gophers, Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Neglect, Wind
water
needs		 Lowest
water
info		 Will need some careful watering through its first dry season (and if winter rains fail), but will survive on rainfall alone once established.

It also tolerates garden conditions with occasional douses of water.

If you choose to withhold summer water entirely, your plant may look sparse or bony by fall, with only a few leaves still vibrant, but it will flush out quickly with rain (or irrigation) in the fall or winter, or new seedlings will appear to take over the next year’s show. This is its natural cycle.
hardy
to		 0F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Low Needs
origin W North America
california
native		 Yes
sunset
zones		 3–H1

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Leave seed capsules on the plant to encourage new plants to grow from seed and provide forage for native animals.
Supplemental water in spring and summer will extend the bloom season.

Special Interest

First described from plants observed and collected around 1810 in the Presidio of San Francisco by Russian-sponsored explorers Adelbert von Chamisso, a German botanist, and Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz, a Baltic-German botanist for whom the genus is named. The California native genus Camissonia is named for Chamisso.