Scientific Name: Eschscholzia californica
Varieties We Grow: California Poppy
Height: Poppies typically grow between 41-51 cm (16-20 inches) tall. This makes them a suitable choice for various gardening applications, including borders, containers, and wildflower meadows.
Days to Maturity: Poppies take approximately 75 days from sowing to reach maturity and bloom. Gardeners should consider this factor when planning their growing season and succession planting.
Sun Preference: Poppies thrive best in full sun conditions, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate partial shade as well.
Plant Type: Poppies are annual hardy plants, which means they complete their entire life cycle within one growing season. They are relatively easy to grow from seeds and do not require extensive care or maintenance once established in the garden.
Appearance : Western United States below 4,000 ft. in elevation. It has feathery, highly dissected, blue-green leaves that clasp stems growing from 0-60cm tall. The four-petal flower is orange to pale yellow .
Toxicity : Poppy poisoning can manifest through various symptoms such as slow respiratory rate, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, hypothermia, muscle twitching, coma, seizures, brain swelling, congestion in the heart and lungs, constipation, difficulty urinating, and even death. It is vital to seek medical or veterinary assistance if poppy poisoning is suspected.
Harvesting :poppy pods can be picked green and brought inside to dry. Once the poppies have bloomed in spring, seed pods will form. It is recommended to let the pods dry in place on the plant. After they have dried, you can clip the pods and place them in a paper bag. Store the pods in a cool, dry place over the summer. In the fall, you can shake the seeds from the pod over well-prepared soil in a sunny flower bed. Watering the seeds daily with a gentle shower from a hose is advised until the seedlings emerge and begin to grow.
Vase life: Vase life can be expected for 3-4 days.
Toxicity : Poppy poisoning can manifest through various symptoms such as slow respiratory rate, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, hypothermia, muscle twitching, coma, seizures, brain swelling, congestion in the heart and lungs, constipation, difficulty urinating, and even death. It is vital to seek medical or veterinary assistance if poppy poisoning is suspected.
Special Features: While the wild California poppies typically display pale yellow, orange, or cream-colored flowers, horticultural varieties have been developed in various colours including whites, reds, and pinks. This diversity adds to its visual appeal in gardens and landscapes. California poppies attract birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to gardens and natural habitats. They play a role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food sources for these animals.
