Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow California Poppy Red Chief

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

California Poppy Red Chief is a fast-growing annual that thrives in cool weather. It is best direct-sown outdoors because poppies have a deep taproot and dislike being transplanted.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Seeds tolerate light frost. In mild-winter regions, fall sowing is preferred for the strongest spring blooms.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. California Poppy thrives in poor, dry, or sandy ground. Avoid rich or waterlogged soil.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Do not add heavy fertilizer, as California Poppy performs best in average to poor soil.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Scatter seeds evenly over the planting area. For easier spreading, mix 1 part seed with 10 parts dry sand before broadcasting. Thin seedlings later so plants are spaced 6 to 9 inches apart.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Press seeds gently into the soil surface. Do not bury them deeply. Cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil. California Poppy needs light to germinate.
• 6. Water the Area
  Mist gently with a fine spray to settle the seeds. Keep soil moist for 14 to 21 days until germination. Use a fine mist only - a strong stream of water may wash the seeds away.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, California Poppy is highly drought-tolerant and needs little to no watering. Plants can grow up to 18 inches tall.

Starting Indoors (Not Recommended)

Starting indoors is not recommended for California Poppy. These plants have a deep taproot and usually perform best when direct-sown outdoors.

• 1. Direct Sow for Best Results
  Sow seeds directly where the plants will grow to avoid disturbing the taproot.
• 2. Avoid Transplant Shock
  If indoor starting is necessary, use biodegradable pots and transplant very carefully without disturbing the roots.
• 3. Plant Outdoors Carefully
  Move plants outdoors after frost danger has passed, planting the entire biodegradable pot into the soil.

Growing Tips

• California Poppy grows best in cool weather and tolerates light frost.
• Direct sow only for best results - poppies have a deep taproot and dislike transplanting.
• Choose full sun and well-drained soil.
• California Poppy thrives in poor, dry, or sandy ground.
• Avoid rich or waterlogged soil.
• Seeds need light to germinate - press into the soil surface and cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil.
• Mixing tiny seeds with dry sand helps spread them more evenly over a large area.
• Use a fine mist when watering - a strong stream may wash the seeds away.
• Keep soil moist during germination, usually 14 to 21 days.
• Thin seedlings to 6 to 9 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.
• 1 oz covers up to 250 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 18 inches tall.
• Once established, California Poppy is highly drought-tolerant and needs little to no watering.