Rouge California Poppy is a jewel-toned heirloom cultivar of Eschscholzia californica that brings sophisticated color to spring and fall gardens. These cheerful flowers bloom reliably from seed in just 56 to 70 days, reaching a compact 8 to 12 inches tall with a spread of 6 inches. Grown for centuries and prized for their deep crimson petals, they thrive in full sun and demand almost nothing once established, making them a drought-tolerant workhorse for gardeners who want beauty without fuss. The blooms appear from March through November in the right climate, attracting pollinators while deer consistently leave them alone.
8
Full Sun
Low
6-10
12in H x 6in W
—
High
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Deep crimson petals unfold from seed to flower in under 70 days, delivering color that's richer and more dramatic than the typical bright orange California poppies most gardeners know. The compact, tidy growth habit fits seamlessly into borders, containers, or scattered through beds where you want a long season of color. Once established, these plants shrug off drought entirely, asking only for sharp drainage and full sun to perform season after season without complaint.
Rouge California Poppies are grown primarily for ornamental display, valued for their vivid crimson blooms in garden borders, containers, and mixed flower beds. The extended bloom window from spring through fall makes them reliable for continuous color throughout the growing season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last spring frost in containers kept at 60 to 65°F. Sow seeds on the surface and press them in lightly or cover with just 1/8 inch of soil; they need light to germinate. Sprouts emerge in 7 to 14 days.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting. Move them to the garden after the last spring frost has passed, spacing plants 8 inches apart.
Direct sowing is recommended and works beautifully. Sow seeds in early spring or fall in most zones; in mild winter areas (zones 8 to 10), late winter sowing also succeeds. Press seeds into the soil surface or cover with just 1/8 inch of soil.
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