The California poppy - Eschscholzia californica - is a hardy plant in the Papaveraceae family, comprising some 15 species. Perennial in its native western North American climate, it is often grown as an annual if the climate is not mild enough. California poppy is used in phytotherapy for its antispasmodic and sedative qualities. In ancient America, it was used to treat weakness, toothache, headaches, stomach disorders, purulent wounds and lice.
Included in the pharmaceutical catalog of Parke-Davis, USA in 1890, California poppy was described as "an excellent soporific and analgesic - totally harmless". California Poppy can be taken as an infusion (7 to 10 minutes), with one or two teaspoons of dried aerial parts per cup. Drink 2 to 3 cups daily to reduce stress and pain.
Depending on the variety, California poppies come in different colors: red, mauve, orange, yellow or white. All our California poppy seeds in sachets are organic, royalty-free and reproducible.
Very drought-resistant, California poppies are easy to grow. It's either perennial or self-sowing - or both - and once it's in the garden, it's there for life! Young seedlings don't transplant well, so it's best to sow the seeds directly in the ground or in biodegradable cups.
Sowing advice: from February to May, sow California poppy seeds in a box. Place seedlings under a light shelter and keep the substrate moist until germination. Transplant into pots when plants reach 3 or 4 cm in height. After the last frosts, plant in a sunny spot in well-drained soil, 30 cm apart in all directions. From March to June, sow California poppy seeds directly in the garden. Cover lightly with compost and keep the soil moist. Then thin out to 30 cm in all directions. In mild climates, they can be sown from September to November for early flowering the following spring. They can also be sown in pots on balconies and terraces. California poppies flower from May to October.
