California Golden Poppy – Irresistible Beauty in the Garden

I never thought I would fall in love with California Golden Poppy. I used to only see them in gardens and nurseries but never paid attention to them. Until I bought a packet of seeds and sprinkled them in my flowerbed. 

When they are in clumps, it’s kind of just a common sight, but when they are mixed with other flowers, their beauty pops!

What Do They Look Like?

California golden poppies have bright flowers shaped like cups. Their colors range from soft yellow to bright orange. The petals feel smooth and silky. The flowers close up at night or when it’s cold or cloudy—a special trait called nyctinasty. Each flower is about 2-3 inches wide and grows on thin, green stems.

The leaves are light green with a feathery look. The petals are very delicate though. If you live in a windy area, just like where I live, it is best to put a sturdy support stake for plants because their stalks are thin and delicate. 

The plant can grow about 12 to 18 inches tall. It has strong roots that go deep into the ground, which helps it survive in dry and rocky places.

Why Are They Important?

California poppies are great for nature. Bees, butterflies, and other insects love the flowers because they’re full of nectar. Birds and small animals eat their seeds. These flowers are very lovely, even the flies are attracted to them.

The plants also help hold the soil in place, especially in dry areas, so the ground doesn’t wash away. This makes them very helpful for the environment.

How To Grow California Golden Poppy?

I sprinkled the seeds on my flower bed and covered them with a small layer of garden soil. Then, I water them every day (except when it rains) until they bloom. When they bloomed, I reduced the watering to 3x a week.

If you want to grow California poppies, they’re easy to take care of. They like sunny spots and soil that drains well. Once they start growing, they don’t need much water. You can plant their seeds in the fall or early spring. The best part? They reseed themselves, so they kept coming back every year without much effort.

Since California poppies can only grow 6-12 inches, I sprinkled them in the front of the flower bed so they don’t get hidden with the rest of the flowers.

Are California Poppies Safe for Pets and Animals?

California poppies are generally not toxic to pets and animals, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious. My dog was never interested in the California poppies even if they’re beautiful (bahah!). He’s always with me when I do gardening and was never curious but some pets might nibble on them. Eating large amounts could upset their stomachs. Always consult a vet if you think your pet has eaten something unusual.

Why Are They Special?

California poppies are more than just pretty flowers. They also capture your heart, or at least my heart. It’s been added to my favorite flowers ever since I first planted them. This year, these beauties will be in my garden again.

More Photos of California Golden Poppies in My Garden

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