California Poppy

General Information:

California poppies are both an annual and perennial herb type plant. Poppies are the official state flower, and can easily be identified by its vibrant orange hue. California poppies are a great addition to any garden, and they can self-seed, thus spreading easily whilst not being invasive. Poppies grow best if they are planted in the fall, and at the beginning of the rainy season. It is important to not cover the seeds with an excess amount of mulch and/or soil.

Appearance:

They usually have orange and yellow flowers, and typically open during Spring. Their leaves appear to be feathery, and can range from blue to green. The flower petals will close up during colder temperatures, and will open during sunny/warm temperatures.

Plant growth, season, and dormancy:

California poppies can grow 2-24 inches tall, and 1-2 ft wide. It is a summer deciduous, and its flowering seasons are Spring, Winter, Fall, and Summer. It grows at a moderate to rapid rate.

Landscaping information:

California poppies are a full sun plant, but they can tolerate partial shade. It requires very little water, but should be watered regularly until it is established in the ground. It is relatively easy to care for, and should be watered 2x a month during the summer. It can tolerate slow, medium, and fast draining soil. It prefers infertile, sandy soils and requires a soil p.H. of 5.0-8.0.