Growing and Sowing California Poppy

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is basically a perennial, hardy plant, but our climate is too cold. That is why the plant is grown here as an annual. California poppy belongs to the Papaveraceae family and blooms with orange-yellow flowers, which open during the day and fold in the evening or when it rains.

Sowing and growing California poppy

In our climate, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is an annual plant from the poppy family (Papaveraceae) that is also called golden poppy. It is originally a perennial, hardy plant and is a symbol for the state of California because it is common there and is named after it. In our climate, the plant is an annual, but the plant easily self-sows. It is an easy-to-grow plant that requires little care.

Sowing California poppy

From March to the beginning of June, it can be sown in the open ground in a sunny spot. California poppy does not like to transplant, so pre-sowing is not recommended, sow directly in the desired spot. Lightly loosen the soil and scatter the seeds widely. To get a better spread of the seeds, you can mix them with sand and then scatter them. Sowing in rows is also possible. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil slightly moist for the first few weeks. This stimulates germination.

Direct to the California Poppy Seeds >

Position and soil for sowing California Poppy

California poppy needs a sunny location. The soil must be well-drained. The plant prefers poor soil. If necessary, some sand can be worked into the soil.

How to care for your California poppy plants

California poppy needs very little care. Only water in very dry periods and regularly remove the faded flowers. The seed pods contain many seeds, making it easy for this plant to self-seed. Of course, you can also harvest these seeds yourself to grow new plants the following year.

Is California poppy bee and/or butterfly friendly?

California poppy is very insect-friendly and loved by bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. This plant can make a positive contribution to increasing biodiversity in the garden.

California poppy in the vegetable garden

The flowers of the California poppy are edible and attract many pollinators. So it is certainly a suitable plant for the vegetable garden.

Is California poppy edible and/or medicinal?

California poppy is edible, its leaves and flowers have a fresh taste and can be used as a garnish, in salads or in soups. In addition, some medicinal effects are also attributed to this flower, such as calming and sleep-promoting and it can help with stomach and intestinal cramps because it is said to have an antispasmodic and muscle relaxing effect. Be careful, eat in moderation, too much can be harmful to health.

Please note, we at Dutch Garden Seeds do not give medical advice. Always ask a professional if and how the plant can be used medicinally. 

California poppy seeds in our collection

We have different types of California poppy seeds in our range, including organic seeds from the brand 'Buzzy Organic Seeds'. 

Tips for sowing california poppy

• Sow early in spring to enjoy the flowers for a long time.

Direct to the California Poppy Seeds >