Growing 101

*Tip: For best results, store your seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to plant. This mimics winter, and seeds will remain dormant. This will increase the germination rates when it comes time to plant.

 

 

I have grown this flower in Canada only and have experimented planting in the fall and spring. The best results have always been planting as early in spring as possible.

Poppies are a spring flower that require cool temperatures for the seeds to germinate. They will lie dormant until temperatures reach approximately 40°-50°F (5°-10°C), at which time they will begin to sprout.
Seedlings can withstand a light frost but will not tolerate warm temperatures so it is imperative that you sow your seeds as soon as the soil can be worked. This is also required for maximum growth/size.
Planting in mid-late spring will result in “micro-poppies”. Planting any later and the seeds may not germinate.

Choose soil that is non-clay and well-drained. A sandy loam with cow manure, fall leaves and any composted organic matter worked in provides conditions for healthy, full-sized plants.

It is best to surface sow your seeds directly into the garden or whatever area you have chosen to grow this flower, as poppies do not transplant well.

Prepare a bed for them by loosening/tilling the soil. Like tulips, poppies look best planted in patches. Sprinkle some seeds, gently rake and water them in. Do not bury the seeds! Poppy seeds need light to germinate. Contact with the soil is all that is required.

It is helpful to press/tamp the seeds down, as this helps the soil to retain moisture longer and prevents seed wash-out when watering.
The soil must be kept moist during the germination period. Even one dry-out could ruin the seeds. Germination takes between 3-14 days, depending on the variety. 

Water less frequently once sprouts appear. Letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings will cause the roots to reach deeper and develop quickly.

Growth will seem slow at first and some seedlings will lay over on their side at 1-2” tall. This is normal and nothing need be done to correct it. They will turn upright in a few days and grow strong.

 

It is recommended to thin seedlings to 8-12” apart to provide adequate root space for maximum growth. Overcrowding will cause under-developed plants with fewer flowers/pods.

Poppies do not require a lot of watering once established. Water as needed.
If fertilizer is given, a tea made from chicken manure and water is ideal. You can also use any all-purpose fertilizer such as 20-20-20.

 

Growth becomes more vigorous as the first flower buds appear deep in the centre of the plant. Most varieties produce their first flowers between 60 and 70 days. Petals fall from flowers within 3 days and the seed capsules begin to develop at this time. It takes 14-21 days from petal-fall for the seeds to mature and be ready for harvest. The crown will extend upward and depending on the variety, the seed vents will usually open, allowing for the poppies to self-seed themselves.