200 California Red Chief Poppy Seeds – Vibrant Wildflower Garden

California Red Chief Poppy is a stunning annual wildflower known for its brilliant scarlet-red blooms that add a bold splash of color to any garden. These easy-to-grow poppies are perfect for wildflower meadows, borders, and cottage gardens, attracting pollinators and bringing vibrant beauty to your landscape.

Each plant produces multiple saucer-shaped flowers atop slender stems, creating a cheerful display from late spring through summer. The California Red Chief Poppy is a favorite among gardeners for its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in poor to average soil.

Plant Features

• Vibrant scarlet-red flowers with a dark center
• Blooms profusely in late spring and summer
• Attracts bees and butterflies
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Excellent for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Papaver californicum (often sold as California poppy, but Red Chief is a cultivar of Eschscholzia californica)
• Plant Type: Annual wildflower
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soil
• Water Requirements: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10 (often grown as annual)
• Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
• Mature Height: 12-18 inches
• Germination Requirements: Light needed for germination; sow seeds on surface and press gently
• Spacing: 6-12 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow California Red Chief Poppy seeds directly outdoors in early spring or fall. Prepare a weed-free seedbed with well-draining soil. Scatter seeds evenly and press them lightly into the soil; do not cover, as light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which typically takes 10-20 days. Once established, water sparingly and allow the soil to dry between waterings. These poppies self-sow readily, returning year after year in favorable conditions.

For best results, plant in a location with full sun and good air circulation. Avoid overwatering, as poppies are susceptible to root rot in soggy soil. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming, or allow some flowers to go to seed for natural reseeding.

What's Included

200 California Red Chief Poppy Seeds