California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
Silky, 2-3" cups of brilliant orange top neat mounds of finely cut silvery-green foliage. Blooms over a long period. Drought tolerant. Tolerates light frost. Excellent for seeding large areas.
Harvest
55-60d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
6–10
USDA hardiness
Height
12-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for California Poppy in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 native-wildflower →Zone Map
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California Poppy · Zones 6–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'XL Jelly Beans'Vibrant pink, lemon yellow, red, blue-green foliage, 'XL Jelly Beans'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The three sided capsules will split open to self-seed when dry.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene, Capsule.
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The leaves and stems can be eaten.
History & Origin
Origin: South western U.S.A. to Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil, Poor Soil
- +Edible: The leaves and stems can be eaten.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Attracts beneficial pollinators and repels pests while tolerating similar dry conditions
Yarrow
Improves soil health and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
Sage
Repels harmful insects and thrives in similar Mediterranean climate conditions
Rosemary
Deters pests naturally and shares preference for well-draining, dry soil
Lupine
Fixes nitrogen in soil and creates attractive native wildflower combinations
Coreopsis
Extends blooming season and attracts pollinators without competing for resources
Penstemon
Native companion that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies while sharing water needs
Clarkia
Fellow California native that blooms simultaneously and supports local ecosystem
Keep Apart
Corn
Requires heavy watering and rich soil that can cause California poppies to become leggy
Tomatoes
Need frequent watering and fertilization which promotes excessive foliage in poppies
Sunflowers
Tall growth creates shade that reduces poppy flowering and vigor
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease-free in proper conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites in humid conditions
Diseases
Root rot in wet soils, powdery mildew in humid climates