California poppy - bright blooms for sunny, dry gardens

California poppy prefers full sun and warm conditions and thrives in poor, well-drained soils. It does not tolerate waterlogging or heavy fertilisation. This makes it ideal for dry beds, rock gardens, slopes or Mediterranean-style plantings, for example in combination with lavender, thyme or sage.

Sowing is done directly outdoors, either in spring or autumn. The fine seeds are sown at a depth of about 0.5-1 cm and only lightly covered. California poppy forms a deep taproot and should therefore not be transplanted. Once established, it requires very little care and copes well with longer dry periods.

In addition to the classic golden orange, there are numerous varieties in creamy white, yellow, red or bicoloured forms. This diversity makes the California poppy particularly attractive for large-scale plantings and loose, natural garden designs. Through self-seeding, it can persist for many years in suitable locations.

As an ecological enrichment, California poppy is a valuable source of nectar for bees, bumblebees and other insects. At the same time, it is considered extremely undemanding, making it a good choice for low-maintenance, climate-adapted gardens. In some regions it can self-seed quite vigorously - in the garden, however, this can be easily controlled.

The California poppy combines ornamental value, adaptability and a distinctive character. It is suitable for anyone who wants to make conscious use of sunny areas and create lively, natural flowering displays with little effort.