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.
Availability & Turnaround Time
All seeds are shipped year-round, while flower bulbs are shipped on a seasonal basis. Typical turnaround times for in-stock items is between 2 – 5 business days.
| Category | Shipping Period |
|---|---|
| All Seeds: | |
| Zones 2 – 10 | Year-Round |
| Spring Planted Bulbs & Perennials (March - June): | |
| Zones 8 – 10 Pre-Orders | Mid March |
| Zones 7 Pre-Orders | Late March-Early April |
| Zones 6 Pre-Orders | Early-Mid April |
| Zones 5 Pre-Orders | Mid-Late April |
| Zones 2 – 4 Pre-Orders | Late April-Early May |
| All Zones Ship Until Inventory is Sold Out | May - June |
| Saffron Crocus & Bearded Iris (Late August - November): | |
| All Zones | Start Shipping late August |
| Fall Planted Bulbs & Perennials (September - January): | |
| Zones 2-4 Pre-Orders | Mid September |
| Zones 5 Pre-Orders | Mid-Late September |
| Zones 6 Pre-Orders | Late September |
| Zones 7 Pre-Orders | Late September - Early October |
| Zones 8-10 Pre-Orders | Early October |
| All Zones Ship Until Inventory is Sold Out | Mid October - January |
| Fall Perennial Roots/Bulbs* & Amaryllis Bulbs (October - January) | |
*Fall Perennial Roots/Bulbs include: Hosta Roots, Siberian Iris Roots, Lily Bulbs, Papaver Roots and Peony Roots.
We try our utmost to maintain reliable inventory of all products, and are very proud of our record in doing so. However, as we are a company engaged in what Mother Nature provides, we do sometimes experience shortages and crop failures beyond our control. If, for any reason, we are required to backorder any portion of your order, rest assured we will keep you apprised of updated shipping information and/or any other options that may satisfy your needs and wishes.
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 - Red Chief Botanical Name: Eschscholzia californica Life Cycle: Annual/Perennial Color: Red Bloom Season: Spring/Summer Height: Up to 16 Inches Light Requirement: Sun Sowing Method: Direct Sow Seeds per Pound: Approx 293,000 Hardiness Zones: All Ships: Year Around -
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 20 Sq. Ft Ounce Package Up to 125 Sq. Ft 1/4 Pound Package Up to 500 Sq. Ft 1 Pound Sack Up to 2,000 Sq. Ft 5 Pound Sack Up to 10,000 Sq. Ft
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California Poppy Seeds - Red Chief Eschscholzia californica
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