Photo Albums > Flowers California Golden Poppy

The Genus: Eschscholzia The genus was named by Adelbert von Chamisso in honor of his friend Johann Friedrich Eschscholtz Was first discovered around 1820 and has a horticultural history since about 1826. [More info. below] Voted the California state flower on Dec. 12th 1890 by the California State Floral society. Blossoms vary from pale yellow to deep orange or bronze, and even rose colors. [more Info.below]

More On The History Of The California Golden Poppy

The California poppy was most likely seen by Europeans maybe as early as 1542 by members of the Cabrillo expedition, atleast by the late 1700s. It was first described by Adelbert von Chamisso as early as 1820.

Description of the California Golden Poppy

The California Golden Poppy color can range from a yellow to a deep orange or bronze color. It's pedals are about 2" to 3" long and are satin soft. Blossoms of the California Golden Poppy closes at night and opens again in the morning. The leaves are a bluish green color.

Gardening the California Golden Poppy

Gardening the California poppy takes quite a bit of care in that you have to regularly cut off its spent flowers or they go to seed and turn brown. If you don't mind the work, it is nice growing along a long driveway or hillside location. California Golden Poppy is best planted by seed in well-drained sandy soil that has been well spaded in the fall or early spring in a sunny location. They grow best in cool weather. It's best to plant them where you want them as California poppies don't easily transplant . Keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated. This species can grow in all zones and although it is considered a perennial, it is grown as an annual in colder zones.

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