10 Seeds California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Bright Orange Flowers Drought Tolerant Easy to Grow

California poppy is a low-maintenance annual wildflower known for its silky, cup-shaped blooms in vivid shades of orange and gold. It thrives in sunny, dry conditions and self-sows readily, making it a favorite for meadows, borders, and xeriscape gardens.
The feathery blue-green foliage forms a soft carpet that contrasts beautifully with the bright flowers. It works well in wildflower mixes, pollinator-friendly plantings, and rock gardens. Blooming typically begins in early summer and continues until frost; deadheading can encourage more flowers, while allowing spent blooms to remain supports natural reseeding.
Species: Eschscholzia californica
Type: Annual wildflower
Plant_Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky, low fertility
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 6-10
Germination: 14-21 days at 60-70F
Sowing: Direct sow after last frost or in autumn in mild climates; surface sow and press into soil, as light aids germination
Spacing: 6-12 inches
Notes: Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid rich, overly moist soils