Botanical Interests
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Product Details
Product Details
Imagine what a sight it was for early explorers and settlers when they first laid eyes on the California hillsides massed with golden-orange flowers fluttering in the breeze. This drought-tolerant heirloom, the state flower of California, attracts pollinators and is an ideal plant for naturalized, wildflower areas. Reseeds readily.
Your hardiness zone is
- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
Variety Info
Family: Papaveraceae
Type: California Poppy (Learn More)
Native: North America
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 8–10; usually grown as an annual.
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Spring to frost
Plant Dimensions: 6"–12" tall and wide
Variety Info: 2"–3" golden-orange, silky, saucer-shaped flowers with four delicate, paper-like petals.
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost, when soil temperature is 50°–60°F, or early to mid-fall for bloom the following spring. Mild Climates: Late summer to early fall for winter and spring bloom.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; roots are sensitive to disturbance.
Sprouts in: 7–14 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): Scatter and rake in lightly
Thinning: When 1' tall, thin to 1 every 4"–6"
- KimRated 5 out of 5 starsJan 8, 20255 Stars
Slow germination (mine was over 2 weeks, sow on late fall), slow to bloom. Bloom beautifully from spring to summer. Low maintainance.
Self-seeding comes back every year at the same spot or you can harvest the seeds.
- TianaRated 5 out of 5 starsApr 18, 20245 Stars
Zone 9B so these were obviously pretty easy to grow here. You’ll only have to buy these seeds once as they grow as they come back on their own every year. Seeds are easy to harvest too! The bees love visiting every morning to take their pollen baths.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - FATIMAH G.Rated 5 out of 5 starsSep 3, 20235 Stars
Slow germination slow to flower. But they flowered! Grow beautifully!
- Bridget S.Rated 5 out of 5 starsJun 9, 20235 Stars
I planted these in late March, right before the last frost, as directed on the package. A few weeks later, we had a sustained, torrential downpour. I didn't know what would come of these seeds. I figured most had been washed away. I'm happy to say, some are already starting to bloom. Others are sprouting. I'll need to re-work the soil and give them a little TLC, but they made it! Thank you, Botanical Interests for making a superb product.
- KariVerified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 starsJun 16, 2026Surprisingly hardy
I am in zone 6a. Planted these last year in a tiny flower bed (2 feet square). Shocked that they came up again this year after we had a very rough winter with many sub-zero days and repeated freezes and thaws that killed the roof of my mudroom and my concrete steps, but not these poppies. Love these flowers. Love how they curl up into spires at night and how frilly their leaves are. Will definitely get another packet for next year just in case they remember they aren't supposed to be perennial here.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningJun 16, 2026Hey Kari,
We love to hear that your Orange California Poppies proved to be such hardy little survivors! We love hearing about their unexpected resilience through that brutal zone 6a winter! It's so sweet how you've noticed all their charming details like those nighttime spirals and frilly foliage. Getting another packet "just in case they remember they aren't supposed to be perennial", love that - here's hoping they keep forgetting the rules and surprising you year after year! Thanks for sharing your Orange California Poppy success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
