Red Chief California Poppy

Red Chief California Poppy is a vibrant and cheerful addition to any garden, showcasing bright, scarlet-red blooms that brighten up any space. This hardy perennial grows to a compact size of 12-18 inches in height, with a spread of 10-12 inches, making it perfect for borders, containers, or as a colorful groundcover. The stunning 3-inch flowers bloom profusely in late spring to early summer, creating a dazzling display of color that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, the Red Chief California Poppy thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It’s a great choice for gardeners looking to add instant color to their landscape without spending too much time on care. With its resilience and low water needs, this poppy is perfect for those in arid or dry climates. Red Chief California Poppy not only adds beauty and brightness to any garden but also brings a sense of joy and energy to your outdoor space.

Also Known As: Red Poppy, American Poppy, California State Flower, Scarlet Poppy, Red Poppy, California Poppy, Eschscholzia Red Chief, Golden Poppy, Cup of Gold, Flanders Poppy, California Golden Poppy, California Wild Poppy, Field Poppy.

Plant Name:	Poppy, Red Chief 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.