When in bloom, this plant will bring the glow of the California sunshine to your garden.
They easily reseed in the garden for years to come.
Even when not in bloom, these plants feature soft foliage tufts that add pleasing texture to the landscape.
Credit: Cynthia Haynes
California poppies are often found in bright sunset tones, but the most common color is bright orange.
Some varieties bear bicolor blossoms.
Many of these blend ivory with pink, purple, and even yellow.
Credit: Cynthia Haynes
Some types exhibit a second row of petals for a double-flower effect, and others feature twisted petals.
The flowers of the California poppy will close at night and on overcast and windy days.
The blue-gray foliage makes a pretty statement against plants with darker leaves.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
How and When to Plant California Poppy
Sow California poppy seeds directly in the ground.
Light
For best results,grow California poppies in full sun.
This placement will ensure plants put on the best display of blossoms and the densest growth possible.
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However, in hot climates, they may not survive in the full heat of summer.
It may be best to provide shade in these situationsespecially from the hot afternoon sun.
California poppies are drought tolerant.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
They won’t do well in clay soil, because they need soil to be well-draining.
Temperature and Humidity
Poppies will grow continually in moderate temperatures between 50oF and 75oF.
When it gets very hot, California poppies will go dormant but rebloom when cool weather returns.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Humidity can be hard on poppies, which prefer drier air.
Lay the seeds on top of the soil to allow light for germination.
Pests and Problems
The biggest problem California poppies run into is overly-wet soil.
Credit: John Reed Forsman
When they get too wet, mildew and fungi can develop.
Keep them in full sun and well-draining soil, especially where there tends to be more rain.
Plant globe amaranth and then step back to watch it thrive until frost.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It’s great in beds, borders, and containers.
Plant established seedlings outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Zones 2-8
Lisianthus
Lisianthus flowersmake people ooh and ahh.
And lisianthus is one of the best cut flowersit will last in the vase for two to three weeks.
Lisianthus can be challenging to grow.
They’re extremely tricky to grow from seed, so start with established seedlings.
And it will happen in just weeks.
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