California Poppy Day

A highly recognizable symbol, the orange-gold flower can be seen all throughout California in the spring and early summer, lining roads or encompassing entire field.

California Poppy Day offers a delightful opportunity to show honor to this precious, delicate but easy-to-grow flower!

History of California Poppy Day

Though California Poppy Day was only officially established in 2010, the poppy has a history in the state that can be traced back to the 19th century.

In fact, the poppy was selected as the state flower by the California State Floral Society in 1890.

This decision was then confirmed by state legislature on March 2, 1903 and, seventy years later, the law was amended to include this date as a statewide celebration.

How to Celebrate California Poppy Day

Learn Fun Facts About Poppies

California Poppy Day is often used as an educational opportunity for school teachers, parents and other educators. Kids and adults alike can use this event to celebrate and showcase information and fun facts about this unique flower along with other plants native to the state.

Check out and share some of these fun facts to get started with:

• The Latin name for the California poppy is Eschscholzia californica
• Poppies only bloom when the sun is out, so they close on cloudy days or at night
• These flowers are easy to maintain and they are self-seeding, with each pod bearing up to 100 seeds that can spread up to six feet
• Well-adpated to the Mediterranean climate of the state, the California poppy is extremely drought resistant

Visit California for Poppies

One of the most ideal ways to give a nod to California Poppy Day might be to schedule a trip to see them in person!

Typically blooming in the spring, from late February to early May, poppies are prolific in many places throughout the state. Start with the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in the Lancaster area, in north Los Angeles County.

Walker Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park, and North Table Mountain are just a few of the many amazing places in California where poppies can be enjoyed.

Grow Some Garden Poppies

In honor of California Poppy Day, consider including some of these amazing wildflowers in the garden. Many varieties of poppies can be fairly easy to grow, with lots even growing in wild, rocky spaces.

Although they prefer cooler weather, poppies do need full sunlight in which to grow and bloom. Poppy seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the early spring, with plenty of water to break down the outer shell of the seed.

Germination typically takes about 2-3 weeks.

Attend California Poppy Day Events

Check out activities and events scheduled throughout the state to commemorate California Poppy Day.

Various public spaces may be providing special celebrations, including the California Nature Art Museum in Solvang, which has been known to offer free admissions in honor of the day.

Or, make plans to attend the California Poppy Festival, which takes place a couple of weeks later in the Lancaaster area.