Eschscholzia: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow California poppies outdoors?
Sow California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, directly where it will grow, in sunshine and drained soil. This limits disturbance of its taproot. Spring suits many gardens; autumn sowing can suit mild climates. Adjust timing to the packet and local conditions, avoiding frozen or waterlogged ground.
Remove competing weeds and crumble only the surface you need. Fertiliser is not essential in suitable soil. Scatter the small seeds thinly and cover lightly with fine soil according to the supplier. Adult spacing is arranged after emergence, rather than placing each seed at 30 cm intervals.
Water gently to settle the seeds and keep the surface moist enough during germination without saturation. Once seedlings are recognisable and sufficiently developed, thin them to the distances appropriate for the cultivar. Avoid unnecessarily moving young plants that are already rooted.
Inspect feeding marks and observe animals before intervening. Eggshells are not reliable slug barriers. Once plants establish, adapt watering to soil and weather. Drought tolerance increases with development, but that does not remove the need for moisture in a germinating seedbed. Keep monitoring the young plants rather than applying the same watering schedule throughout their life.
When does California poppy flower?
