Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Papaveraceae
Native
North America
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Short (Under 12")
Flower Color
Orange
Bloom Season
Spring to frost
Further Information
Plant Characteristics
Attracts Pollinators
Growing Conditions
- Drought Tolerant
- Heat Tolerant
Plant Resistance
Deer Resistant
About Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
2"–3" golden-orange, silky, saucer-shaped flowers with four delicate, paper-like petals.
Planting Poppy
Hardiness Zones
10, 8, 9
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Short (Under 12")
Planting Depth
Scatter and rake in lightly
Planting Details
| Seed Depth | Scatter and rake in lightly |
|---|---|
| Thinning | When 1' tall, thin to 1 every 4"–6" |
| Germination | 7–14 days |
| Start Indoors | Not recommended; roots are sensitive to disturbance. |
| Direct Sow | 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. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 23 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 1
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
25 reviews
- Tiffanie E.Verified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 stars3/22/26No germination
Have not had any germination. I have grown these before but I could not get these to germinate. Do not recommend
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests3/24/26Hey Tiffanie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- 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.