Purple Gleam California Poppy

Purple Gleam California Poppies are a stunning purple-pink to lilac-rose variety of the Golden state flower! The flowers rest on slender, silvery green foliage, adding an elegant touch to its overall appearance. This drought-tolerant heirloom flower is native to the TomorrowSeeds and Mexico and flowers in spring and summer. A very high pollen producer, Purple Gleam can spread like dandelions and is deer resistant. Though cultivated as an ornamental plant, it has historically been harvested for a variety of uses and today may be used as a modern culinary ingredient and garnish.

Also Known As: Purple Poppy, Pink Lavender Poppy, California State Flower, Coastal Poppy,  Indigo Opium Poppy, Purple Oriental Poppy, Lilac Rose Poppy, Corn Poppy, Field Poppy.

Plant Name:	Poppy, Purple Gleam California
Latin Name:	Eschscholzia californica
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	70
Plant Height:	6 - 12 Inches
Spread:	1 - 2 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	2 - 3 Inches
Growth Habit:	Spreading, Upright
USDA Zones:	6-10
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 8-10
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters for a head start in the following spring, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 8-12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 8-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	8-12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

California Poppies are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. After planting, ensure they receive full sun for most of the day, as this will promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Water the plants lightly but regularly during the early stages, especially in dry periods, but once established, California poppies require very little watering. California Poppies thrive in poor soil, so avoid heavy fertilization. Deadheading spent flowers will help encourage continuous blooming throughout the season, although they are self-seeding and often continues to grow year after year. Keep an eye out for weeds, which may compete with the poppies, and remove them as needed.