Plant care

Most poppies thrive in the sun and will require at least 4-5 hours sunlight daily.

Soil Type

Poppies favour well drained, friable, even sandy soil types but will thrive in a wide variety of soils as long as it is not excessively acidic, a ph of between 6-8 is ideal. Poppies do not require much if any added fertiliser but do appreciate a generous mulch of natural organic matter. Avoid planting or sowing in wet, water logged soils as this causes the seed and plant to rot.

Poppy seed must make contact with the soil on sowing if it is to germinate. Therefore the chosen site must be cleared of weed and grass and needs to be lightly cultivated to a ‘crumb’ structure before sowing.

When to Sow

Sowing can take place from early spring on into summer, however seed can also be sown in autumn in temperate, frost free regions. Autumn planted seed will ‘over winter’ in the soil before bursting into growth in spring. In colder regions autumn sown seeds do as well as prolonged exposure to cold and wet (at temps below 14 degrees) can significantly effect germination.

Sowing

Most seed does better sown directly in the site intended for it. Transplanting can cause damage to the soft new roots and the plant may take longer to establish.

When sowing in garden beds scatter seed on the cleared patch of soil. For even distribution of seed a carrier agent is recommended to mix with the seed. This can be river sand, pumice or even potting mix. Add about 15 parts of carrier agent – 1 part seed. Mix well and scatter as uniformly as possible. There is no need to cover. Keep seed moist but not too wet.

If sowing indoors and intend to transplant, fill seed trays with seed-raising potting mix. Sprinkle seeds thinly as this will produce stronger. Germination takes approx 15 days. healthier plants. Gently water with a fine mist sprayer and keep moist – don’t let them dry out. Seedlings need high light, warmth and good air circulation.

Transplanting

When large enough thin out the smaller plants and harden off by placing outdoors for a few days before planting out. A cloudy or misty day is ideal for transplanting, or in the late afternoon. This decreases the stress on the plant. Water in well.

Once the plants are established (after 4-6 weeks) they can survive on minimum rainfall and should not require additional watering. Flowering should begin within 8-10weeks from a spring/summer sowing. Some of the taller varieties may require stakeing for additional support.

Planting

When your Poppy plants arrive give them a good water as they may have dried out a little en route. Plant as soon as possible to give them maximum time to establish.

Prepare the soil as for sowing seed and plant so the soil is to the same level on the plant as it was when in the pot. Press in well to ensure good soil contact around the roots. Water lightly.

As most varieties are annuals or winter dormant perennials the majority will die back over the winter period, re-sprouting again the following spring.

Plants will quite often not flower in their first season so don’t be alarmed if yours don’t.