- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
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Variety Info
Family: Papaveraceae
Type: California Poppy (Learn More)
Native: North America
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 8–10; usually grown as an annual.
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Spring to frost
Plant Dimensions: 6"–12" tall and wide
Variety Info: 2"–3" golden-orange, silky, saucer-shaped flowers with four delicate, paper-like petals.
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost, when soil temperature is 50°–60°F, or early to mid-fall for bloom the following spring. Mild Climates: Late summer to early fall for winter and spring bloom.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; roots are sensitive to disturbance.
Days to Emerge: 7–14 days
Seed Depth: Scatter and rake in lightly
Thinning: When 1' tall, thin to 1 every 4"–6"
Your hardiness zone is
- Bethany P.CA, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars9/24/25Survives Neglect
I scattered these in an area that doesn't have any drip irrigation this spring. I watered once or twice after that. Most did not germinate, but that's not surprising considering the minimal effort I put in. The impressive thing was that the ones that popped up survived without any supplemental watering. They thrived in full (all day) sun in temps over 100 degrees F in very dry conditions in inland SoCal (zone 10a). I just scattered another packet of seeds in the same area a week ago since rain was forecasted. I haven't watered the area at all, but I'm hopeful that some will germinate and provide some additional fall color!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised BedBIBotanical Interests9/24/25Hey Bethany P.,
What a fantastic review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your Orange California Poppy Seeds proved just how tough and resilient they really are - that's exactly what makes these native beauties so special!
Your "minimal effort" experiment actually highlights one of the most amazing qualities of California poppies - they're absolute champions when it comes to surviving in challenging conditions! The fact that the ones that germinated not only survived but actually thrived through full sun, 100+ degree temps, and bone-dry conditions in inland SoCal really shows what these incredible wildflowers are capable of. That's the magic of native plants - they're perfectly adapted to handle exactly the kind of conditions you threw at them!
We love your smart approach of scattering that second packet right before the forecasted rain - that's such perfect timing! Fall germination can actually work really well for California poppies since they'll have the cooler months to establish strong root systems before next year's heat kicks in. Those little seedlings that do pop up now will likely be even more robust come spring, and you'll get that beautiful fall color you're hoping for plus an amazing spring show!
Your "neglect test" results will be so encouraging for other gardeners who want beautiful flowers but don't have irrigation in every corner of their yard!
Keep on growing 🌻️
- Angelina B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2/3/255 Stars
Thanks!
- Amarilis V.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1/15/255 Stars
Good quality seeds
- Jason S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1/15/255 Stars
Great seeds. Robust growth.
- KimRated 5 out of 5 stars1/8/255 Stars
Slow germination (mine was over 2 weeks, sow on late fall), slow to bloom. Bloom beautifully from spring to summer. Low maintainance.
Self-seeding comes back every year at the same spot or you can harvest the seeds.