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California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
$3-6 (seed packet)avg. price
Annual Deer ResistantDrought Tolerant

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

California's state flower is a cheerful, drought-proof wildflower that blankets hillsides in golden-orange. Cup-shaped flowers open in sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days. Self-seeds prolifically — plant once and it returns year after year in mild climates.

Hardiness Zones
2-11 (annual/short-lived perennial)
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water Needs
Low
Maintenance
Low
Mature Size
12-18 in H × 12-18 in W
Growth Rate
Fast
Bloom Season
Spring through summer
Bloom Color
Orange, yellow, red, pink, white

Care Guide

Direct sow seed in fall or early spring — does not transplant well. Full sun, lean well-drained soil. Do NOT fertilize — rich soil produces foliage at the expense of flowers. No watering once established. Let seed heads dry on plant for self-sowing.

Landscape Uses

Wildflower meadowsHillside plantingsRock gardensRoadside banksNaturalized areas

Best Growing Regions

westsouthwestmountain

Great Companion Plants

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