Growing Non-GMO California Poppy Flower Seeds

Seeds germination better after a cold treatment. Plant seeds outdoors 2-4 weeks before the final frost date, or place them in the freezer for 2-4 weeks prior to planting. California poppies do not transplant well; sow them straight into the garden bed or field they will be growing in. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and then water. Poppies do well in low water conditions, but may require a bit of supplemental irrigation to help them get started. However, be sure the soil and seedlings dry out between irrigations; California poppies do poorly in very wet conditions.

Poppies bloom all summer long and will die at the first frost of the fall. Expect them to reseed. If you don’t want them to, cut the flower heads after blooming and remove the entire plant before the seeds start to develop. In warmer zones, these can act as perennials. If you live in zones 8-10, you may desire to cut them back every 1-3 years, depending on your desired mass planting size.

California Poppy in the Flower Garden

Incorporate these into wildflower and cut flower gardens, or use them as a reseeding mass planting. They even do well as a bright border for driveways or walkways. These are a necessity when planning an authentic garden of California natives. Try companion planting with Salvia or Celosia!

Harvesting California Poppy

California poppies are loved as cut flowers for small bouquets. Cut the flower stalk at the base with clean scissors or shears when the poppies are in or approaching full bloom. The gorgeous petals of the poppies are also edible! Pluck them when the flowers are blooming and use them as a garnish on cakes, salads, or other cold foods.

About California Poppy Garden Seeds

California poppies are safe for human consumption but may be toxic when ingested by animals like livestock or dogs.

Eschscholzia californica also called Golden Poppy, California Golden, or Cup of Gold is native to the cool and moderate expanses of the western United States and Mexico and has been the official state flower of California since 1903.

California poppies are very hardy in hot, dry conditions. Colusa and San Luis Obispo counties in California are home to stunning and natural rolling meadows of the iconic golden orange California poppy.

These are native to California but now grow as a wildflower in many areas across North America. In some regions, they grow so prolifically that they are considered a noxious weed. Check with your county extension if you have any concerns.

The genus Eschscholzia honors pioneering Baltic German naturalist and entomologist Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz who explored California and the greater Pacific Northwest in the early 19th Century.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"California poppy seeds are the perfect gift for any friends or family living in the state of California! They are easy to grow, and they will be reminded of you all season."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

California Poppy Seeds Per Package:

• 2 g Package - Approximately 1,300 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 18,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 74,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 296,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,480,000 Seeds
-->

Non-GMO California Poppy seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.