Gardening Tips & Flowers : How to Grow California Poppy (Eschscholzia Californica)

01:18 The California poppy is native to California and prefers warm summers and not too cold winters. It can thrive in cold climates and will reseed itself well.

02:02 The plant was named in honor of Johann Friedrich Eschscholtz by botanist and poet Adelbert von Chamisso. It is commonly known as the Eschscholtz poppy.

02:47 The California poppy is the official flower and emblem of California, and is found on the sides of freeways all over the state.

03:26 The best way to start growing California poppies is by seed in the spring. They come in bronze to mauve and scarlet flowers.

04:05 California poppies close on cloudy days and do not make good cut flowers. They only open on sunny days.

04:38 California poppies need to be started by seed every year as they do not come back from roots. They reseed themselves and can last a long time once established.

05:03 California poppies grow well in zones six to eleven and can handle cold winters. They can be trimmed down halfway or just above the ground after blooming to encourage new blooms in late summer and fall.