Soil & Water: Sow seeds directly into a finely textured, well-drained garden bed in full sun as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. When mature, poppy plants can handle dry conditions, but they will always bloom longer if regularly watered.

Planting & Growing: Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, poppies can also be sown in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom. Except in very poor soil, these California poppies will grow and flower readily with no added fertilizer. Space seeds several inches apart, cover 1/4" deep and firm soil gently. Weed young seedlings carefully. If seedlings come up very thick, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until seedlings are well established in spring. Space seedlings 6" apart as plants need room to grow and bloom. At season's end, allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want poppies to self-sow for next year's spring flowers.