POPPY

Plant Name: California Poppy
Scientific Name: Eschscholzia californica — California Poppy, Golden Poppy, California Sunlight
Type: Annual or short-lived perennial; commonly grown as an annual
Mature Height: 6–18 in; can reach 2 ft in favorable conditions
Mature Spread: 6–12 in
Growth Rate: Fast
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low; approximately 1–2 cups per plant per watering while establishing, 1–2 times/week; once established, water sparingly during dry periods
Foliage: Finely divided, fern-like, blue-green to gray-green leaves
Fall Color: Foliage may yellow and die back during hot, dry weather
Flower Color: Primarily orange and yellow; cultivated varieties may be pink, red, or cream
Bloom Time: Late winter through spring; may flower into fall when conditions are favorable
Fruit: Slender seed capsules that split open when mature, releasing numerous small seeds
Hardiness Zones: 6–10 (−10°F to 40°F)
Features: Drought tolerant; easy to grow from seed; self-seeds readily; excellent for wildflower gardens, borders, and naturalized plantings
Additional Facts: California Poppy is well suited to sunny, well-drained sites and tolerates poor soils. It grows naturally in Yavapai County and can reseed itself year after year. Direct sowing is best because its taproot makes transplanting difficult.