When planting, keep in mind that California poppies are toxic to people and some animals.
The more sunlight, the better.
Poppies grown in shady conditions often look ragged and easily succumb to diseases.
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Soil
Many flowers need rich, loamy soil, but California poppies can thrive in poorsoils.
Sandy and rocky soils both provide suitable conditions for California poppies.
Heavy clay soil doesn’t work because these plants need sharp soil drainage.
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Try planting in a raised garden bed or container if you have clay soil.
Water
California poppies require very little water and are good candidates fordrought-tolerant xeriscapes.
Sporadic spring rainfall is usually adequate to irrigate the plants.
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California poppies will continue to grow as long as temperatures remain mild, between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Excessive heat can cause dormancy.
However, when cool temperatures return, the plants often will regrow and even rebloom.
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Moreover, California poppies prefer low to moderate humidity levels.
In high humidity, good soil drainage and airflow around the plants are essential for them to stay healthy.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary to successfully grow California poppies, even in areas with nutrient-poor soil.
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Adding chemical fertilizers can cause excess foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
California poppies do not like to have their roots disturbed.
Also, once cut, the flowers and stems of the plant quickly fade.
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How to Grow California Poppies From Seed
California poppies are fast growing.
It takes about 55 to 90 days for California poppies to mature.
Depending on the temperature and conditions, germination can take 10 to 30 days.
Potting and Repotting California Poppies
California poppies do not transplant well.
They do not like their roots disturbed.
If growing in a container, get a medium or large container with ample drainage holes for good drainage.
If kept in containers, water more frequently than in-ground plants, at least every other day.
Plants grown in containers are typically short-lived and often treated as annuals.
Many gardeners prefer to pull them after they bloom and plant new seeds the following growing season.
Overwintering
California poppies can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
In cooler zones, they will enter dormancy in the winter.
you’re able to cut down the plants to the base or leave them as is.
Mulch the ground above the roots for extra winter protection.
For plants in warmer zones, mulch may keep the plants from going dormant.
Mold,mildew, and stem rot can occur in plants growing in wet areas.
Although you might treat plants with fungicides, the best option is correcting the environment.
Ensure that your poppies are in full sun and well-draining soil to prevent them from being waterlogged.
They will usually bloom after 60 to 90 days from seeds sown in the spring.
Bloom Months
California poppies can bloom anywhere from mid-March to early May, depending on the climate.
How Long Do California Poppies Bloom?
California poppies usually bloom from spring to early summer until peak heat sends them into dormancy.
In cooler summer regions, they may bloom most of the summer.
What Do California Poppy Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The cups of California poppies are usually a yellow-orange gold color, often with a darker orange center.
Its flowers can also come in red, pink, and white.
California poppy flowers do not have much of a fragrance.
How to Encourage More Blooms
To encourage more blooms, deadhead the flowers once they fade.
Deadheading Flowers
Deadheading(removing the spent blooms) can promote additional flowering.
Also, deadheading will prevent the flowers from self-seeding, if desired.
Common Problems With California Poppies
California poppies are easy to maintain.
The key is providing them with growing conditions that mimic their native habitat.
Their native habitat is the Pacific Coast from Baja California to western Oregon.
Floppy Stems
Overly-wet soil can cause mildew and fungi to develop.
Keep the plants in full sun and well-draining soil.
Water deeply every few days.
Do not give frequent light water.
This condition is normal; they usually return once the temperature cools.
During dormancy, they will not require any additional care until they return.
They spread easily on their own.
The seeds will self-sow and return for many growing seasons to come.
California poppies bloom in early summer until temperatures reach the 90s F for long stretches.
As cut flowers, they only last in a vase for a couple of days.
However, they aren’t true perennials, and it isn’t safe to assume they will return.
California poppies are instead grown as intended annuals in many regions.
