Managing California Poppies After Bloom: Seed Harvest and Cleanup

Managing California Poppies After Bloom: Seed Harvest and Cleanup

A gardener wants to tidy up California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) after flowering but ensure seeds for next year.

Strategy

• Leave a few plants to set seed; remove the rest.
• If pods are full-sized but not ripe (seeds white), pull whole plants, hang upside down in a paper bag in a shady, airy spot until pods burst.
• Seeds are viable when brown. Harvest timing takes practice—brown seeds are safe.
• Scatter collected seeds where you want them next year.

Note

California poppies are annuals (or short-lived perennials in mild climates). They readily self-sow if allowed.