How to Plant Poppy Seeds

Red poppies

Poppies are ornamental plants often cultivated for their vibrant flowers. They are extremely tolerant of cold temperatures and adapt to most growing conditions. Considered perennials because of their ability to self-seed, they often bloom in the summer and the fall, with flowers lasting three to eight days. Poppy plants are an outstanding color choice for planting in both garden beds and containers.

Things You'll Need

• Purchased or harvested poppy seeds Tiller, hoe, spade or rake Compost or organic fertilizer Broadcast spreader (optional) Liquid fertilizer (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Plan your poppy garden for an area that receives full sun. Plant seeds in early spring or after the last snowfall for an early summer showing. For late spring blooms, sow seeds in early autumn.

2. 

   Loosen the soil using a tiller, hoe, spade or rake.

3. Spread a light covering of compost or organic fertilizer, and rake to distribute it evenly.

4. Scatter the seeds by hand, or use a broadcast spreader to randomly sow the seeds over the prepared soil. Because poppy seeds are small, gardeners often mix them with sand to achieve a more even distribution. Plant the seeds into shallow trenches if you desire a more orderly outcome to your garden.

5. 

   Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or sand. That helps protect the seeds from birds and small animals.

6. Moisten the poppy-seed soil bed after planting and as needed. Poppies prefer a consistently moist soil. They possess a delicate root system and should be watered gently until taking root. Germination is dependent on climate and should occur between four and 25 days.

7. Thin seedlings, if desired, when they reach a height of 5 inches. Plants placed 8 to 10 inches apart will face less competition and produce more pods and seeds. Continue watering regularly. Liquid fertilizer can be added for more vigorous plants.

8. 

   Harvest the largest pods, and save the seeds for the next planting. Poppies are self-seeding and should reseed themselves once pods burst open. An established poppy garden is likely to produce a biannual showing with little maintenance.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect poppy plants for aphid and beetle infestations, which can be removed with a strong watering. Weak plants may also be susceptible to powdery mildew or gray mold, which will cause discoloration on flowers. Fungicides can be used, but prevention is recommended.

• Check local laws before growing opium poppy plants. Some poppy varieties are used for medicinal and edible purposes, leading to strict control of their production in the United States.

References

• Poppies.org Planting Information
• Aggies Horticulture
• Preserving Summer's Bounty; Rodale Food Center; 1998

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish