Guide to growing california poppy Eschscholzia

Although members of the Eschscholzia genus are perennials they are usually grown as annuals in the garden.

These poppies can reach 30 to 60cm in height and bear cup like flowers of yellow, orange or white from the middle of spring to the middle of summer.

They make good plants for growing in borders.

One of the common names for Eschscholzia is California poppy.

How to grow California poppy (Eschscholzia)

It is best to grow Eschscholzia members outdoors. When growing California poppies the seeds should be sown at about 6mm in the autumn or after the last frost of spring. The seeds usually take about three weeks to germinate. They should be sown into an area that is sunny and has good drainage. California poppies like to grow in a soil that is average, so nothing special is required.

Caring for Eschscholzia in the garden

Once growing they require watering in prolonged dry spells and extended flowering of the poppies can be had by removing the flowering heads once they have finished flowering.