California Poppy "Thai Silk Mix"

This listing refers to the sale of seeds. Each packet contains 100 seeds.

Part of the Papaveraceae family and native to California, Eschscholzia californica are beloved by humans and pollinators alike. Commonly called California Poppies, they appear in various shades of gold across the hills of Napa Valley all summer long.

Eschscholzia californica is perfect for ground cover or in cottage garden-style settings, requiring virtually no care, and happily blooming in places where little else thrives. ‘Thai Silk Mix’ combines the pink, yellow, and orange varieties of the 'Thai Silk line' and comes in a delightful combination of sorbet-champagne colors. It is widely admired for its delicate, chiffon-like ruffled flowers.

• Height at maturity: 30-45 cm
• Spread at maturity: 12-14 cm
• Light needs: Full sun
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-11
• Type of soil: Well-draining soil, keep moist but not wet
• Soil pH: Any
• Where to plant: Cottage/Informal Garden, Prairie Planting, Wildlife Gardens, Flower Borders and Beds, Container Gardening
• Features: Drought-tolerant wildflowers, heat-resistant
• Pruning: Not necessary
• Pests: No major pests or diseases
• Best time to sow seeds: Spring or fall, but can be sown year-round
• Flowering period: Summer until the first frost
• Common names: California poppy
• Plant type: Annual (but considered a perennial in hot areas)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Warning: All parts of this plant including the seeds are poisonous to humans and animals

Direct sow your California poppies in early spring or fall; or in late winter in areas with mild winters (zones 8-10).

It is best to sow seeds directly as poppies have a long taproot and do not tolerate root disturbance. Sow 3 mm deep and 30 cm apart, or simply sprinkle seeds across the surface of soil amended with sand and compost in late fall or in early spring after the threat of frost has passed.

Additional poppy care details on the blog.