How to prune california poppy

Throughout the season to delay seed set; otherwise not needed. Remove spent flowers before seed pods form if you want to extend blooming slightly and reduce self-seeding. Otherwise, leave pods to ripen and shatter naturally to replenish the seedbank. Do not attempt to cut back the tap root — it will not regenerate.

Deadhead occasionally if desired; no structural pruning. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a tap-rooted annual or short-lived perennial that does not respond well to cutting back. Deadheading can extend bloom slightly but the plant tends to self-sow prolifically and complete its lifecycle regardless. The best approach is to allow self-seeding for future seasons and pull spent plants when done.

Remove spent flowers before seed pods form if you want to extend blooming slightly and reduce self-seeding. Otherwise, leave pods to ripen and shatter naturally to replenish the seedbank. Do not attempt to cut back the tap root — it will not regenerate.