Orange Poppy
Eschscholzie californica “California Poppy”

A bright orange drift of California Poppy is ideal as a mid-level element in a border or dramatic on its own as a mass planting.  It will often self-sow and naturalize.

When to Plant Outdoors
Install in the garden as soon as soil can be worked in the spring.  (This means that the soil, when squeezed in the hand and then released, will lightly crumble and not stick together in a clump.) 

Select a location with full sun.  Moisten prepared soil thoroughly.  Using scissors, cut seed mats as desired.  Each mat can yield 2, 3, 6, or 12 sections depending on your needs.  Now, place each section where desired on the moistened soil and water thoroughly.  Seed in a Blanket® is designed to hug the ground when moistened so it will stay in place.  At this point, it cannot be lifted up in one piece.  Do not cover mat with soil.

Water frequently to keep seed mat moist until the second set of leaves are fully extended.  Do not let the mat dry out.  Germination should occur within 2 to 4 weeks depending upon weather and soil conditions. 

When to Start Indoors
There is little benefit to starting poppy indoors.

Tip – Keep planting area weed-free. Where winters are mild, install in the fall.