Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
California Poppy
California state flower with orange, sun-opening flowers; often grown as a winter-rain annual that reseeds.
Eschscholzia californica · Annual or short-lived perennial
Profile
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained, relatively lean soil
- Propagation
- Direct sow; taproots dislike disturbance
- Seasonality
- Plants may die back in summer heat and dryness
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; depends on soil texture
- Salinity tolerance
- Not reliably characterized for this catalog label; avoid saline irrigation and diagnose with soil/water testing.
- Drought tolerance
- Good during cool-season growth; summer senescence can be normal.
Optimal root measurement depth
3–8 in
Shallow fibrous or rhizomatous roots. Typical guidance; confirm with a soil probe on site.
Keep seedbed lightly moist during emergence; reduce watering after establishment and avoid soggy soil.
Problems to watch
- Damping-off in wet seedbeds
- Slugs and snails on seedlings
- Poor flowering from excess nitrogen or shade
Stress signs
- Seedlings collapsing at soil line
- Persistent pale elongated growth
- Unexpected blackened root crown
Where you'll find it
- Wildflower meadow
- Seasonal pollinator color
More plants, natives & crops
California BuckwheatCalifornia FuchsiaCalifornia Lilac (Ceanothus)California SagebrushCalifornia Wild GrapeCalifornia Wild Rose
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.