Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
California Poppy — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Eschscholzia californica |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 10–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 12.8–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–80 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 15.2–22.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–22.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct sow California poppy in early spring or fall, pressing the fine seed onto the surface since it needs light and dislikes root disturbance. This native wildflower opens brilliant orange, cup-shaped blooms above ferny blue-green foliage on compact plants. It thrives in poor, well-drained soil and full sun, needing almost no water once established. Let it self-sow freely and it will return year after year as a cheerful drift.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · california-poppy-sgs
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0