How to Grow Eschscholzia Californica

The botanical name Eschscholzia californica refers to the most ubiquitous of western wildflowers: the California poppy. Few native flowers make a greater impact during the late spring and summer months, when the plants bloom en masse and tint hillsides throughout California a brilliant golden-yellow hue. Many gardeners include Eschscholzia californica in native plant landscaping since it grows easily from seed and requires little care or supplemental water once mature. However, the plants self-sow with abandon and will quickly overwhelm small garden beds if the seed capsules are left to ripen on the plant.

Rotary tiller or handheld cultivator
Oscillating sprinkler

Instructions

- 1
  Select an appropriate site for your California poppies. Choose a spot with direct sun for most of the day, draining soil and little other competing vegetation.
- 2
  Break up the soil at the planting site using a rotary tiller or handheld soil cultivator, depending on the size of the plot. Work the soil to a 6-inch depth.
- 3
  Sprinkle small amounts of the poppy seeds over the tilled bed in spring once temperatures top 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to sprinkle 1/2 tbsp. of seed over each square foot of soil. Do not bury the seeds.
- 4
  Water in the seeds using an oscillating sprinkler. Run the sprinkler at the edge of the planting site for 10 to 15 minutes, or until water begins to pool slightly on the surface.
- 5
  Withhold all further watering unless rainfall is very scant. Water as described in Step 4 if no rain falls for more than 10 days.
- 6
  Watch for sprouting in one to two weeks. Look for small seedlings with feathery, slender leaflets. Thin the seedlings to one every four inches, if desired, or allow them to thin naturally through competition.

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