Eschscholzia californica Thai Silk Strawberry Fields | California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica Thai Silk Strawberry Fields

California Poppy | Hardy Annual

Eschscholzia californica ‘Thai Silk Strawberry Fields’ is a striking California poppy variety distinguished by its rich strawberry-red to warm coral blooms, glowing with golden-yellow centres. The semi-double flowers feature softly fluted petals with a distinctive silk-like sheen, giving the plant a refined yet vibrant presence in the garden.

Compact and well-branched, plants grow to around 20 cm (8”) tall, making this variety ideal for containers, borders, rock gardens, and low-growing flower beds. The vivid flower colours contrast beautifully with the plant’s cool blue-grey, finely divided foliage, creating a balanced and elegant display.

Exceptionally easy to grow, California poppies thrive in dry, well-drained soils and require very little maintenance once established. ‘Thai Silk Strawberry Fields’ is drought tolerant, well suited for xeriscaping, and naturally deer resistant. Regular cutting or deadheading encourages continuous flowering throughout the summer.

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

Key Information

• Botanical name: Eschscholzia californica
• Variety: Thai Silk Strawberry Fields
  
• 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