California Poppy Seeds

California poppies are cultivated as ornamental in the summer, with showy cup-shaped flowers in brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red. This native flower adds an easygoing dose of bright colors to otherwise poor, sandy soils. California poppies are a cool season annual, which means they offer great color early in cooler climates but fade once the heat of summer hits. A staple in any wildflower meadow, California poppies are grown for that iconic, natural look found in all wild flowers.

Planting the best California poppy seeds

  • 23 California poppy seed varieties
  • Became the official state flower of California in 1903
  • Showy cup-shaped flowers in brilliant shades
  • Easy to grow and adaptable

Planting the best California poppy seeds

  • 23 California poppy seed varieties
  • Became the official state flower of California in 1903
  • Showy cup-shaped flowers in brilliant shades
  • Easy to grow and adaptable

the joy of growing california poppies

California poppy seeds, Eschscholzia californica, are a drought-tolerant, self-seeding, and easy to grow option for your garden. This variety has been nicknamed "golden poppy," "California sunlight," "flame flower," and "cup of gold." It is native to the United States and Mexico and became the official state flower of California in 1903. It can also be recognized from the numerous Scenic Route signs it is featured on across the United States. With varieties for every blooming season, you can't go wrong with Eden Brothers' California Poppy Seeds as lovely additions to beds, borders, containers, rock gardens, or along paths and walkways.

the best environment for california poppy seeds

These blooms tend to perform well in just about any environment — even arid and inhospitable ones. California poppies prefer full sun, in sandy, poor to average, well-drained soils. Directly sow into the garden at the last spring frost date. California poppies do not like their roots disturbed and therefore should not be started indoors to be transplanted. Sow seeds shallowly with just a 1/16 inch layer of soil covering them, spacing the seeds about six to eight inches apart. When seedlings sprout in 14 to 21 days, thin them to about eight inches apart. Water seedlings daily if the soil dries out. No need to spoil this plant with fertilizer or compost, if the soil is too rich and moist, they won't flower well. If you prefer a fuller flower, go for Eden Brothers' Ballerina California Poppy Mix which contains double-petaled blooms. To display California poppies as cut flowers, harvest blooms before the buds open completely.

california poppy benefits

In addition to acting as an ornamental flower, the California poppy also offers medicinal uses such as treating insomnia, aches, nervous agitation, bed-wetting in children, and diseases of the bladder and liver. It is also used to encourage relaxation. Before using California poppies for these uses it is best to consult your health provider, as some medications should not be used simultaneously with poppies.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for California poppy flower seed, see the California Poppy Seeds Planting Guide.