In 1973, the California state legislature designated that April 6th would become "California Poppy Day".
The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was named the State Flower of California after the California State Floral Society decided to choose an appropriate bloom for an official emblem.
After a landslide vote in December of 1890, the California Poppy beat out the Mariposa Lily and the Matilija Poppy for the honor. It wasn't until 1903 that the legislature finally made the official proclamation.
California Poppies are a protected wildflower in the state of California, but they can easily be grown from seed on your own property and enjoyed immensely. Seeds available where wildflower seeds are sold.
Photos courtesy of: http://www.freeherbphotos.com/
