California Poppy Seeds - Red Chief Eschscholzia californica
- Perennial / Annual; Grows up to 16 Inches
- Easy to grow and adaptable
- Poppy seeds need to be cold stratified to germinate. Learn how to cold stratify your seed here.
Shipping Schedule
Seeds are shipped year-round, while perennials & bulbs are shipped seasonally. Pre-ordered bulbs ship at the proper planting time for your zone. Spring pre-orders are placed any time before March 1. Fall pre-orders are placed any time before September 1. These items will not ship immediately, but will be delivered at the ideal time for planting. Orders containing both seeds and bulbs may be split into multiple shipments. Click here for more shipping information.
| Pre-Ordered Spring Bulbs & Perennials | Shipping Begins |
|---|---|
| Zones 9 - 12 | Late February to Early March |
| Zone 8 | Early to Mid March |
| Zone 7 | Mid to Late March |
| Zone 6 | Early April |
| Zone 5 | Late April |
| Zones 2 - 4 | Late April to Early May |
| In-season orders ship immediately at the time of purchase to all zones until inventory is depleted. | |
| Saffron Crocus & Bearded Iris | Shipping Begins |
| All Zones | Late August |
| Pre-Ordered Fall Bulbs | Shipping Begins |
| Zones 2 - 4 | Mid September |
| Zone 5 | Mid to Late September |
| Zone 6 | Late September |
| Zone 7 | Late September to Early October |
| Zones 8 - 12 | Early to Mid October |
| In-season orders ship immediately at the time of purchase to all zones until inventory is depleted. | |
| Pre-Ordered Fall Perennials* | Shipping Begins |
| All Zones | Mid October |
| *Amaryllis Bulbs, Hosta Roots, Lily Bulbs, Papaver Roots, Paperwhite Bulbs, Peony Roots & Siberian Iris Roots | |
Product Description
California Poppy Seeds - Red Chief -Eschscholzia californica
Red Chief Poppies are sure to command attention in your garden! Their bold red-orange hue will not be ignored! An excellent choice for hot and arid regions, California Poppies are hardy and easy to grow.
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Fast Facts
Name: California Poppy Seeds - Red Chief Botanical Name: Eschscholzia californica Life Cycle: Annual, Perennial Light Requirement: Full Sun Planting Season: Spring Plant Type: Medium length green stalks with bold red blossoms with an orange heart Features: Open Pollinated, Attracts Pollinators, Drought Tolerant, Container Garden, Easy to Grow & Maintain Color: Red, Orange Blooms: Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer Plant Height: Up to 16 inches Plant Spacing: 6-8 inches Planting Depth: 1/16 inch Sowing Method: Direct Sow Cold Stratification: Yes; direct sowing is recommended in late fall or early spring for zones 2-8 Seeds per Packet: 400 mg Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Ships: Year Round -
Planting Instructions
Poppy seeds need to be cold stratified to germinate. Learn how to cold stratify your seed here.
Papaver Rhoeas act as perennials in moderate climates, but they perform as annuals where freezing temperatures and snow occur in winter. These poppies germinate most successfully in cool to moderate temperatures and they are, in fact, frost tolerant. Poppies flower best under cool spring weather conditions. Bloom decreases on poppies as temperatures increase in summer months.
In growing zones 3 – 7, the Red Corn Poppy, Shirley Poppy – Mixed Colors and the Shirley Poppy – Mixed Double seeds can be planted in late autumn or early spring when a light frost is still possible.
In zones 8 – 10, these poppy seeds should be sown in late autumn or winter.
Poppies only need soil that is ordinary and moist, but well drained. The seeds should not be planted deeply; they just need to be compressed into the soil, as they need light to germinate. The best method for planting is to mix one part seed with 5 parts sand and scatter over the prepared growing area.
These varieties of poppy seeds generally germinate in about 20 days. You can thin the seedlings to 6” to 8” apart after they emerge.
If planting in rows, then plant the seeds 6” to 8” apart.
Poppies do best if planted directly outdoors in their intended location rather than transplanting them. However, if necessary, they can be started in biodegradable peat pots indoors before the last spring frost. The entire peat pot can then be planted outdoors once the poppy seedlings are established.
Poppies should be watered regularly, but they can tolerate dry conditions. It is not necessary to fertilize poppies.
Red Corn Poppy and Shirley Poppy varieties can reach 2’ to 4’ in height at maturity with flowers up to 2” across.
It generally takes about 60 to 90 days for poppies to bloom after the seed is planted. This timing depends very much on your growing zone and when you plant, along with Mother Nature’s cooperation. The bloom season for poppies is spring to summer. Poppy plants will bloom for a few weeks, but the length of bloom time can be extended by regular watering and application of mulch for moisture retention, as well as regular dead-heading of spent flowers. It is also recommended that the seed be sown in successive plantings to extend the bloom season of the poppies.
Visit our Poppy planting guide page to learn more and watch planting videos.
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Planting Video
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Seed Coverage
Amount Recommended Coverage Packet Up to 80 Sq. Ft Ounce Package Up to 625 Sq. Ft 1/4 Pound Package Up to 2,500 Sq. Ft 1 Pound Sack Up to10,000 Sq. Ft 5 Pound Sack Up to 1.3 Acres
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