How to Grow Poppy Flower Plants
Annuals and Perennial
The "World's Popular Encyclopedia" referred to Poppies as "common cornfield
weed". The year was 1937. Today, we think of Poppies as a popular and attractive
flower, that is common in home gardens as well as open fields.
Popular is an understatement, as Poppies come in many, many varieties, and
are native to many parts of the world, including Central and Southern Europe,
China, India, and other parts of Asia. It's popularity also stems from the
diversity of it's use. In the garden, Poppies are an attractive, easy to
grow flower in both annual and perennial varieties. As an added bonus, the
home gardener can choose from almost any color in the rainbow , including
black. It's flowers are long lasting.
Poppy seeds and oil are popular for baking and cooking. If you have excess
seed, you can put them in your backyard bird feeder.
In the world of medicine, and drugs, some Poppies are a narcotic. It is used
to make Codeine, Morphine, and Opium.
Did you Know? After WWII, Poppies became the symbol of both tragedy
and renewal of life. They gained this recognition, as there were many poppies
in the battlefields of France. Each year on Memorial Day, Veterans sell poppies
as a memorial for those who have given their lives for their country. The
proceeds benefit veterans groups.
Plant Height: from just 12 inches, up to 3 feet, depending upon variety
Plant Blooms: Spring - Summer
Popular Varieties: California Mission Bells, California Orange, Oriental
Red, Iceland Mix, Shirley Double
Plant Propagation:
Poppy is grown from seed. Sow seeds directly in the garden.
You can also start seeds indoors. Start Poppy seeds indoors six to eight weeks
before the last frost in your area. We recommend planting them in separate
pots, allowing ample room for root growth. This will make transplanting easier.
For best results, transplant while still small.
Note: We recommend a heated
germination mat, to increase the speed of germination, and for
a higher germination rate.
Days to Germination: 10 - 16
How to Grow Poppy Plants:
Poppy plants are very easy to grow. They prefer full sun to partial shade.
They will grow well in many types of soils and tolerate dry spells well.
Final spacing of plants should be 8" - 18", depending upon variety. The plants
will grow 2- 2/12 feet tall.
Poppies look superb planted together in big beds. Poppy will grow quickly
and will bloom in early to mid summer. Fertilize them once a month to promote
steady growth. Mulching around the plants will help to keep weeds down and
make the bed more attractive.
Flower Growing Tip: To prolong blooming, grow smaller groups succession.
Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming.
Flowers bloom: Some in Spring, most in Summer.
Insect and Disease:
Poppy are fairly resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease problems
occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.
Garden Resources:
How
to Grow Poppy Plants
California
Poppy Day
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