Eschscholzia californica ssp maritima 'Coastal Form'

annualN. America Native

Coastal Form California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica ssp maritima 'Coastal Form'

The Story

Plant Bio

Coastal Californian poppy that thrives in well-drained soils and prefers sunny locations.

A coastal form of California poppy that is more tolerant of coastal conditions and produces bright yellow flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright, cheerful flowers create a lively garden display, especially in wildflower or cottage gardens.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping and sustainable planting.

Provides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

12 inches

Width

10 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

California

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds just below soil surface in early spring or fall.
Mist seedlings lightly daily to maintain moisture for 2 weeks.
Transplant seedlings when they are 2 inches tall into full sun.
Water deeply once a week during dry spells for best blooms.
Fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every 6 weeks.
Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Sow seeds directly in the garden for natural growth and vibrant spring blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming
Apply mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t disturb roots during flowering
Refrain from using heavy fertilization that can promote foliage over flowers

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Wildflower meadows with vibrant orange bloomsBorder edging with fragrant flowersRock garden accents with drought-tolerant foliage

Companion Plants

Lavender Yarrow California poppy Coreopsis Sedum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coastal Form California Poppy questions

What zones can Coastal Form California Poppy grow in?

Coastal Form California Poppy is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coastal Form California Poppy deer resistant?

Yes — Coastal Form California Poppy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Coastal Form California Poppy bloom?

Coastal Form California Poppy typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coastal Form California Poppy need full sun?

Coastal Form California Poppy does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Coastal Form California Poppy drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Coastal Form California Poppy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.