Seed Treatment:
• Soak seeds in warm water for 12 hours before sowing
– Scarify (lightly nick) the seed coat with sandpaper for faster water absorption
When to Sow:
• Outdoors (recommended):
– Direct sow in early spring (as soon as soil is workable) or fall in mild climates for earlier blooms
• Indoors:
– Not ideal, as California poppies dislike transplanting due to their taproot
Sowing Instructions:
• Direct sow on the soil surface or cover very lightly with a fine layer of soil (no deeper than 1/8 inch / 3 mm)
• Seeds need light to germinate
• Keep soil lightly moist until germination
• Ideal soil temperature: 59–68°F (15–20°C)
• Germinates in 7–30 days
Light Requirements:
• Requires full sun
• Thrives in warm, sunny locations
Soil Requirements:
• Prefers poor to moderately fertile, well-draining soil
• Tolerates sandy, rocky, or dry soil
• pH range: 6.0–7.5
Watering:
• Water sparingly — California poppies are drought-tolerant
• Too much water can cause root rot or spindly growth
Spacing:
• Thin or sow seeds 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) apart for full, bushy plants
Growing Tips:
• Produces vibrant flowers
• Blooms from late spring to early fall
• Self-seeds readily and returns annually in ideal conditions
• Ideal for wildflower meadows, borders, slopes, and containers
• Hardy in USDA Zones 6–10 (grown as annual elsewhere)