Eschscholzia californica Thai Silk Pink Champagne | California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica ‘Thai Silk Mixture’

California Poppy | Hardy Annual

Eschscholzia californica ‘Thai Silk Pink Champagne’ is a refined California poppy variety prized for its soft blush-pink petals with warm champagne undertones and an elegant, silky texture. The semi-double flowers feature gently fluted petals that catch the light beautifully, creating a romantic and airy appearance in the garden.

This compact variety grows to around 20 cm tall, making it perfectly suited for patio containers, borders, rock gardens, and low-maintenance flower beds. The delicate blooms are set against blue-grey, finely cut foliage, adding contrast and a natural softness to plantings.

Highly adaptable and easy to grow, California poppies thrive in poor, dry soils and require very little care once established. ‘Thai Silk Pink Champagne’ is drought tolerant, ideal for xeriscaping, and naturally deer resistant. Flowering begins quickly and continues throughout the summer, with regular cutting encouraging even more blooms.

As the official state flower of California, this species is valued worldwide for its resilience, beauty, and effortless charm.

Key Information

• Botanical name: Eschscholzia californica
• Variety: Thai Silk Pink Champagne
  
• Life cycle: Hardy annual
• Days to maturity: ~75 days
• Plant height: approx. 20 cm
  
• Flower size: up to 8 cm 
  
• Plant spacing: 15–30 cm
• Pinching: Not necessary
• Best for: Containers, rock gardens, borders, flower beds, xeriscaping

Germination Instructions

• Direct sow only – does not tolerate transplanting
• Sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, or direct sow in autumn
• Sow 1 mm deep into finely prepared soil
• Sow in short drills with rows 30 cm apart
• Germination: 14–21 days at ~20 °C
• Thin seedlings to 15 cm spacing

Growing Instructions

• Requires full sun (flowers will not open in shade)
• Water lightly; water well only during prolonged dry periods
• Extremely tolerant of poor, dry soils

Cultivation Notes

• Flowers in the first year
• Cut-and-come-again variety
• Cut flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming
• Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if desired