Eschscholzia California or California poppy thai silk apricot chiffon
California poppies are very romantic and colorful flowers. Due to the shorter stems, California poppies are fantastic plants for the front of the border or in larger pots. Plants can be grown in full sun or partial shade. We have noticed that the stems become longer when you grow them in partial shade. The apricot flowers attract a lot of pollinators. Remove the spent flowers every now and then and the plants will easily bloom for weeks.

Planting information to grow California poppy Thai silk apricot from seed:
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 30 – 40 centimeters
Position: full sun or partial sun
Start: March to May
Number of days until plants bloom: 75 days
Distance between the plants: 15 – 20 centimeters
Germination: 7 – 14 days at 16-20°C
Pinching: no
Number of seeds per pack: 100

How do I grow California poppy from seeds?
Direct sow into the open ground from March to May for flowering from June to September or start in seed trays. California poppies don’t like too much root disturbance therefore you will have to sow them in large cell seed trays.
Or direct sow a few millimeters deep in rows approximately 20 cm apart. After 7 to 14 days the first seedlings should emerge. You can extend the flowering season by sowing a second time in June. We have had a good experience with this succession sowing when it comes to poppies.

California poppies are not very tall. If you like to extend the stem length you can plant them in a more shaded spot in the garden. Planting close to each other also helps to stretch the stems. Flowers last a bit longer in the vase than poppies. Expect around 5 days if you pick a stem with multiple flower buds. You don’t have to treat their stems. The flowers may go floppy after picking. Place stems in fresh water in a cool place and the stems will recover.