California Poppy Seeds - Alba 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 |
| NOTE: Amaryllis Bulbs, Hosta Roots, Lily Bulbs, Papaver Roots, Paperwhite Bulbs, Peony Roots & Siberian Iris Roots ship to ALL ZONES beginning in October. | |
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 - Alba
The "Alba" California Poppy, a vigorous bloomer producing beautiful white poppy with a yellow heart, is highly drought-tolerant and tends to perform well in just about any environment – even arid and inhospitable ones. All California Poppies are easy to grow and require virtually no care.
-
Fast Facts
Name: California Poppy Seeds - Alba Botanical Name: Eschscholzia californica Life Cycle: Annual, Perennial Light Requirement: Full Sun Planting Season: Spring Plant Type: Medium length green stalks with white blossoms with pale yellow heart Features: Open Pollinated, Attracts Pollinators, Drought Tolerant, Container Garden, Easy to Grow & Maintain Color: White, Yellow 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 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.
-
Planting Video
-
Seed Coverage
Amount Recommended Coverage Packet Up to 50 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
You May Also Like
-
California Poppy Seeds - Ivory Castle
Quick View
xCalifornia Poppy Seeds - Ivory Castle 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.
Eschscholzia californicaAs low as $3.50 per package -
California Poppy Seeds - White Linen
Quick View
xCalifornia Poppy Seeds - White Linen Eschscholzia californica
- Perennial / Annual; Grows up to 12-18 Inches
- Easy to grow and adaptable
- Poppy seeds need to be cold stratified to germinate. Learn how to cold stratify your seed here.
Eschscholzia californicaAs low as $3.50 per package -
California Poppy Seeds - Orange
Quick View
xCalifornia Poppy Seeds - Orange 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.
Eschscholzia californicaAs low as $2.95 per package -
California Poppy Seeds - Mikado
Quick View
xCalifornia Poppy Seeds - Mikado 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.
Eschscholzia californicaAs low as $3.50 per package
The following item(s) have been added to your basket:
California Poppy Seeds - Alba Eschscholzia californica
Continue Shopping View CartYou May Also Like:
-
Sunflower Seeds - Mammoth Grey-Stripe
Helianthus annuus -
Zinnia Seeds - California Giants
Zinnia elegans