Like a field full of boldly colored butterflies, poppies are a great addition to any sunny garden area.
Preparing the Ground for Poppies
In a site with full sun clear all vegetation, rocks, and roots from the planned growing site. If the soil is heavy, amend it with sharp sand, bark and other additives that will allow for a very well draining soil. Rake the entire planting area level and water well in preparation for the seeds or plants.
Planting and Growing Poppies from Seed
Since the seeds are so small it helps to mix them with sand in a large holed saltshaker; simple sprinkle an even layer of seeds/sand over the entire area to plant. A very light and airy shade cloth can help prevent the tiny seedlings from frying in direct light; be careful though as the seeds need light to germinate. Keep the seed bed moist and do not allow it to dry out as this can kill the young seedlings. When the plants have several true leaves carefully dig them up and replant them one foot apart. Applying mulch around each plant will help to retain moisture in the soil but can impede future reseeding.
Planting and Transplanting Poppy Plants
Water the ground around each plant very well to help loosen the soil; this should make transplanting easier. Carefully dig each plant making sure to leave as much soil as possible around the root balls. Plant them with their crowns level to the ground in a well-drained area and water in well. The addition of mulch is useful to help prevent the newly transplanted plants from drying out. A shade cloth may also be used for protection until the plants are established well enough to withstand full sun.
Ongoing Care for Poppies
Fertilize poppies with a water-soluble fertilizer made for blooming plants. Deadheading will prevent annual poppies from coming back from the seeds so be careful when deciding to remove spent blooms. If the look of dying foliage leaves something to be desired, try a companion plant such as, Baby’s Breath Gypsophila elegans to hide the ugly browning foliage.
How to Collect Poppy Seeds
When the seed heads have dried on the plant carefully clip the entire seed head from the stem. Break open the seed head over a sheet or large piece of paper, remove, and discard all but the seeds themselves. Store in baggies in a cool dry place until the seeds are ready to plant. Before planting out make sure to cold stratify the seeds for a few weeks; germination will be better if this is done prior to sowing.
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