Grow California poppy in full sun, in lean soil that drains. California poppy is Eschscholzia californica, also called cup of gold. It is not a true poppy.
Give it full sun, lean soil that drains, and little extra water
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Full sun so the cups open | Do not site it in shade — the flowers stay shut |
| Soil | Lean sandy or average soil that drains | Do not add rich compost that grows leaves instead of flowers |
| Water | Water little after the plants are up | Do not leave the roots in wet ground |
| Feed | None | Do not fertilize |
| Drought | Tolerates dry spells once the plants are up | Do not keep the bed soggy to push bloom |
| Bloom | Cups close at night and on cloudy days | Do not treat closed flowers as a watering cue |
California poppy wants a hot, draining spot and poor soil. Extra fertilizer makes more leaves and fewer flowers. After the plants are up, ease off on water. Wet ground around the taproot is the usual cause of rot. [1] [2] The cups open in sun and stay shut in shade, at night, and on a cloudy day. That is normal. [3] A hillside or bank that sheds water is better than a low, wet pocket. [4] California poppy wants that same lean drain.
Does California poppy need full sun?
Yes. The cups open in sun and stay shut in shade or on a cloudy day. Give it a full day of light.
How often should I water California poppies?
After the plants are up, water only in a long dry spell. Do not leave the roots in wet ground.
Is California poppy a perennial?
It is a cool-season annual in a cold winter. In a mild-winter garden it can live more than one year, and it also comes back from seed.
Pick spent flowers for more bloom, or leave pods to reseed
Spent flowers turn into long, ribbed pods that split and scatter seed. Pick them off if you want more bloom and a tidier patch. Leave some pods if you want the bed to fill itself next year. The patch can get weedy if every pod drops.
- Pick off spent flowers if you want more bloom and fewer seedlings.
- Leave a few pods if you want volunteers next year. Named color mixes often revert toward orange when they reseed.
- Pull extra seedlings if the patch crowds a path or a neighbor plant.
Should I deadhead California poppies?
Yes, if you want more flowers and fewer seedlings. Leave some pods if you want the patch to reseed.
Not a true poppy — Iceland and oriental poppies are Papaver
California poppy is Eschscholzia. Oriental, Iceland, breadseed, and corn poppies are Papaver — see How to Grow Poppies. Bush poppy is How to Grow Bush Poppy. Horned poppy is How to Grow Horned Poppy. Prickly poppy is How to Grow Prickly Poppy. A shop tag that only says poppy is not enough. Read the Latin before you buy.
Is California poppy a true poppy?
No. California poppy is Eschscholzia californica. True poppies are Papaver.
If the cups stay shut, give the patch more sun. If the bed stays wet, choose a bank that sheds water.
FAQ
Can I grow California poppy in a pot?
A draining pot can hold a few plants on a patio, but the taproot wants ground. Use a lean mix, and do not keep it wet.
Is tufted poppy the same plant?
Tufted poppy is Eschscholzia caespitosa, a smaller yellow cup without a collar at the flower base. Give it the same sun and drain.
Is Mexican gold poppy a different species?
Mexican gold poppy is Eschscholzia californica subspecies mexicana, a Sonoran gold form. Some lists still call it California poppy. Give it the same sun and drain.
Is California poppy tea safe?
Do not use this plant as tea or food. Some people have eaten young leaves, and the plant can also make you ill. Grow it for the flowers.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eschscholzia-californica/ - [2] University of Wisconsin Master Gardener -
https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2016/04/Eschscholzia_californica.pdf - [3] Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center -
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=esca2 - [4] UC Master Gardeners of Placer County -
https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-placer-county/article/california-poppies
This note is part of Eschscholzia Guides.
More first-season notes by plant are gathered in How to Grow Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors