How to Grow California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 7°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Avoid feeding entirely. Thrives in poor, sandy, well-drained soil — rich soil produces lush foliage but far fewer flowers.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Self-seeds freely and can spread widely — a wonderful low-maintenance wildflower for dry, sunny spots.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Direct sow
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 25 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 25 cm |
Direct sow only — taproot makes transplanting very difficult. Thin to 15 cm apart once seedlings are established.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Avoid feeding entirely. Thrives in poor, sandy, well-drained soil — rich soil produces lush foliage but far fewer flowers.
- Watch for
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- Aphids (rare)
- Downy mildew (very wet conditions only)
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Small clusters of green or black insects on shoot tips and flower buds, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide
- Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing deltamethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin
Disease Downy Mildew
Symptoms: Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces with grey-purple fuzzy growth on the undersides, mainly in very wet conditions
Treatment: Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering
Prevention: Thin plants to improve airflow, avoid waterlogged soil, and do not overwater
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 7°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant California Poppy?
- Plant California Poppy 15cm apart with 25cm between rows.
- When does California Poppy flower?
- California Poppy typically flowers approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is California Poppy frost hardy?
- California Poppy is classified as Hardy.
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