How to Plant California Poppy Seeds

The California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica, grows hardily throughout the west and southwest of the United States. Gardeners prize the California Poppy for its brightly-colored, cup-shaped blooms and drought tolerance. Named California’s state flower in 1890, the California Poppy remains technically illegal to pick in this state while in bloom. The small seeds fly easily in the wind and distribute widely. When propagating or planting California Poppy seeds, take care not to cover the delicate seeds with too much soil, as this will deter germination. Poppies grow best in full sun.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Spade
• Sand (optional)
• Eschscholzia californica seeds
• Rake
• Hose with shower attachment

1. Cultivate the soil with a spade if the desired planting area is compacted. Add sand to heavy clay soils and mix in.
2. Cast out the poppy seeds from your hand evenly across the planting area in early Spring.
3. Rake the seeds in by gently pulling the rake over the planting area. Some of the seeds may remain uncovered, but this will not affect their germination.
4. Moisten the soil with a hose fitted with a shower attachment.
5. Keep the soil moist for two weeks. Poppies do not require irrigation after germination. Poppies will self-propagate, or spread their own seeds, in subsequent years.