How to Grow Poppies

Poppies are wildflowers that are available in several varieties including the popular yet controversial Opium poppy, the Red poppy used as a symbol for disabled war veterans, and the Oriental poppy.  With their colorful flowers these cool-weather plants are a great addition to any garden and are fairly easy to grow whether they are annual or perennial.  Annual poppies grow between two and four feet tall, whilst perennials can be between five inches and four feet tall depending on the type. Although cultivation may differ for each variety there are general guidelines on how to grow the spectacular poppy flowers.

Tools Required

• Tiller or shovel
• Clean sterilized flats or individual pots

Material Required

• Poppy seeds
• Seed starter mixed soil
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Fill the flat with soil ensuring all holes are covered
2. Soak the flat then drain
3. Spread poppy seeds over the plug holes
4. Do not cover the seeds as sunlight aids germination
5. Mist the seed flat

Transplanting Poppies

6. The best time to transplant poppies is when they are still small; choose seedlings that have their first set of true leaves.
7. Till the ground using a tiller, hoe or shovel.
8. Add fertilizer to tilled soil (fertilizer can be cow, horse or chicken manure).
9. Lift the seedlings apart and take extra care with the roots.
10. Place each seedling in the ground ensuring that the leaves are above the soil surface.
11. Ensure the stem is covered up to the first set of leaves.
12. Use a liquid fertilizer when the plants are ten feet tall.
13. Poppies will bloom early to mid summer.  Once in bloom the poppy flowers may last up to eight days before the petals fall, water occasionally during this time.
14. The plant pod will eventually open to spill the seeds; cut the pods and extract the seeds for replanting.

Tips and Warnings

• Spring and fall are the best times to plant poppies.
• Space poppy plants 5” – 10” apart when the seedlings are approximately 6” high.
• Poppies can be sown directly into the ground or cultivated indoors.
• An indoor start is recommended.
• Mix the tiny seeds with sand to make spacing easier if you’re planting directly to ground.
• Give sufficient water especially if you live in a dry climate. Keep the soil moist but not too wet.
• Ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot.
• Treat with organic or chemical insect repellent and fungicide should the need arise.
• Add lime if your soil is too acidic
• Fertilize once a month.
• When the poppy reproduces the long stem with the pods can be used for dried flower arrangement

For more information on How to Grow Poppies read:

How to Grow Poppies

How to Grow Poppies