California Poppy

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is native to the United States and Mexico. It is the official state flower of California. Its native habitat includes California and extends to Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora and northwest Baja California. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is located in northern Los Angeles County. At the peak of the blooming season, orange flowers seem to cover all 1,745 acres of the reserve. Other prominent locations include Bear Valley (Colusa County) and Point Buchon (San Luis Obispo County).

Despite being an annual the California Poppy is so prolific in seed production that it grows like a perennial. They are very easy to grow. Extremely drought tolerant and ideal for arid environments. Prefers full sun in light to sandy soils. They have been planted in most of the United States and have become established along roadsides, in empty lots, and other disturbed places. In mild-winter climates, these poppies will survive several years, resprouting each fall. They will reseed themselves if they are happy. Where winters are cold, the poppy behaves as an annual, renewing itself from seed each year.

The blooms of the Poppy close each night at sunset or on dull days, then re-appear with the sun. Germinates in 15-30 days, should not be planted deeper that 1/16″. This flower can be found in most of our wildflower mixes.

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Learn more about California poppy as the California State Flower.