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Prepare the soilCalifornia poppies grow best in well-drained, average soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you can improve drainage by adding organic matter like compost.
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Sow the seedsLightly press seeds 1/16–5 mm deep, 15–30 cm apart, and in rows that are also 15 cm apart. You can use a bamboo cane to make a straight drill in moist soil to help with spacing. Scattering the seeds thinly along the drill can help you avoid wasting seeds and make thinning out easier.
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WaterLightly water the seeds after sowing to moisten the soil, and keep it consistently moist until they germinate, which can take 7–21 days. After germination, you can allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
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Thin seedlingsOnce seedlings are about 4 cm tall, thin them out so they are spaced about 15 cm apart. Thin them again when they are 8 cm tall.
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Protect young plantsYoung seedlings may need protection from pests, pets, and weather until they are established.
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DeadheadRegularly deadheading can help prevent self-seeding, which California poppies are likely to do when conditions are favorable.