California Poppy Red 3 inch

Description

The ‘Red Chief’ California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica ‘Red Chief’) is a striking annual wildflower featuring vivid scarlet-red, cup-shaped blooms set against finely divided, blue-green foliage. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it ideal for wildflower meadows, borders, or rock gardens. Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding both beauty and ecological value to any garden.

Commonly known as:
Red Chief California Poppy

Description of Plant:
This compact plant grows to about 8–12 inches tall, forming a low mound of delicate, lacy foliage. From spring through early summer, it produces an abundance of bright red flowers with a satiny sheen. The blooms open during sunny days and close at night or on cloudy days. While typically grown as an annual, in mild climates it may behave as a short-lived perennial.​

Growth Habit:
Low-growing and mounding, reaching 8–12 inches in height and spreading up to 12 inches wide.​

Watering Instructions:
Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot/.Prefers sandy, well-drained soils and can thrive in poor soil conditions. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture.

Sun Requirements:
Requires full sun for optimal blooming. Flowers may remain closed in overcast conditions.​

Indoor or Outdoor Tips:
Best suited for outdoor cultivation. Not recommended for indoor growing due to its need for full sun and space to spread.​

Perennial or Annual:
Annual in most regions; may act as a short-lived perennial in USDA zones 8–10.​

Additional Tips:

• Direct sow seeds in early spring or late fall, as the plant does not transplant well.

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.

• Allow some flowers to go to seed for natural reseeding in subsequent seasons.