A regal mix of semi-double and single blooms
Blooms in cerise, carmine, red, orange and yellow
Tougher than they appear
Easy to grow
Culinary note: Fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a herbal tea which is known to be soothing and relaxing. For more details about edible flowers
Direct sow eschscholzia seed outdoors where they are to grow from March to May or in September for overwintering. Autumn sowings will flower in late spring. Choose a position in full sun on any poor, well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in drills spaced 15cm (6") apart and cover seed with its own depth of soil to exclude light. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes 14-21 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 15cm (6") apart.
Alternatively, sow California poppies indoors from February to March at a temperature of 15-21C (60-70F). When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors.