California Poppy

I know that spring is truly here when I see the whimsical California Poppies opening their beautiful petals to the sun. Nothing can be so simple and yet so joyous as a field of orange poppies gently swaying in the breeze.

Emory E. Smith, The Golden Poppy, 1902
 Vast fields of Golden Poppies have ever been one of the strong and peculiar features of California scenery. The gladsome beauty of this peerless flower has brought renown to the land of its birth. Present everywhere, at all times in some form, it is not surprising that it has taken firm hold of the affections of the people, and that the homage of the nature-loving world is so freely offered it.


California poppies have been grown successfully in many parts of the world, from cool temperate regions to lowland tropics. 

• California poppies should be planted by direct seeding when possible
• They transplant best when very young
• They need good drainage
• They do not perform well in small containers
• They grow best in cool, sunny conditions
• They respond poorly to heat