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Where do California golden poppies grow?
Eschscholzia californica, the California poppy, golden poppy, California sunlight or cup of gold, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, native to the United States and Mexico.
Can you grow California poppies in your yard?
Direct seeding is preferable, as poppies do not like to have their roots disturbed. Sow in early spring when the soil is still cool and light frost is possible (watch Flower Gardening from the Ground Up – video). May also be sown in the fall just before the ground freezes. Seeds will germinate in 10-15 days.
Are California poppies true poppies?
The golden poppy would become the official, designated state flower of California, in 1890. So it is, botanically, a true poppy, a member of the Papaveraceae family and it shares the growth habits and active principles with its cousins.
What kind of plant is the California poppy?
The beloved California poppy, known as the official state flower of California, this hardy plant is designed to be a survivor. Able to withstand droughts, reseed itself, and thrive in soft, sandy soil without much in the way of nutrients, the Eschscholzio californica can be found scattered through prairies, as well as adorning back yard gardens.
Where are the poppies in the United States?
California poppies have been planted in most of the United States and have become established along roadsides, in empty lots, and other disturbed places. In California, it is hard to tell any more which poppies are native wildflowers and which are garden escapes.
When do poppies bloom in California in the summer?
In hot summer areas, the poppies will bloom in spring and early summer, and then the tops will die back and the plants become dormant during the heat of the summer. The poppy survives in the form of a fleshy taproot. In cooler coastal climates, California poppies may bloom most of the summer. Sandy, well-drained soil in full sun is best.
What kind of sunlight does a California poppy need?
Six hours of unfiltered sunlight is essential for poppy growth, and more is even better. California poppies that grow in shady spots will look ratty and succumb to fungal diseases.