How to Plant Poppy Seeds
Poppies (Papaver spp.) are ornamental plants often cultivated for their vibrant flowers. The group includes summer-flowering perennials, hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 9, and long-blooming annuals. Depending on the species, their colorful blooms may appear from spring through fall. Both annual and perennial poppies adapt easily to most growing conditions. They grow well from seed sown directly in the garden, and they self-seed readily at season's end. Whether you're sowing seed for annual poppies or perennials, the simple procedures are the same.
Select a planting site where your poppies will receive full sun. Poppy seeds require light for germination, and they produce their most bountiful, brilliant blooms in sun. Poppies don't like to be transplanted, so pick a spot where seed-grown plants can mature.
S[ [your poppy seeds](https://www.gardenguides.com/article-poppy-seeds.html) ]w your poppy seeds in early autumn for late spring blooms. Poppy seeds need a period of winter chill to bloom their best. If using purchased annual seeds, those can be planted in spring for same year blooms. Perennial seeds take a extra year to bloom.
Loosen the soil of your poppy garden using a garden hoe, and then spread a light covering of compost over the area. Rake the compost to mix it into the soil's top layer. This prepares a well-drained bed for poppy seed to grow. No additional fertilizer is needed.
Scatter the seeds by hand over the prepared soil for an informal garden, or place them in defined areas for an orderly look. Because poppy seeds are very small, gardeners often mix them with sand to achieve a more even distribution. This also helps you see where the seeds were sown.
Press the seeds lightly down into the soil so they are covered by a very thin layer of soil or sand. This keeps the seeds in place, protects them from birds, and allows plenty of light for germination.
Moisten your poppy bed after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist. Poppies possess a delicate root system and should be watered gently until taking root. Germination depends on climate and species, but normally occurs within 25 days.
Thin seedlings, if desired, when they reach a height of 5 inches. Plants placed 8 to 10 inches apart face less competition and produce more flowers and seed pods. Continue watering regularly to keep soil moist, but never soggy.
Leave flowers on your plants after blooming if you want seeds for next year. Pods will burst open to self seed, or you can harvest pods and save seeds for your next planting. An established poppy garden, with a continuous cycle of new seedlings and established plants, produces yearly blooms with little maintenance.
Tip
Perennial poppies go dormant in late summer and appear to die all the way to the ground. The foliage will come back in fall, and blooms will follow the next year.
Inspect poppy plants for aphid and beetle infestations, and remove offenders with a strong burst of water.
Weak plants may be susceptible to powdery mildew or gray mold, which will cause discoloration on flowers. Prevent disease by keeping plants healthy and foliage dry.
Warning
Check local laws before growing opium poppy plants (Papaver somniferum). This annual poppy produces the culinary seeds used in baking, but other parts of the plants are used to create controlled substances. Some areas have laws relating to opium poppies grown for certain uses.
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Macy McDonald has been writing and editing professionally since 2002. Her knowledge of home, garden, and travel topics led her to begin writing for Demand Studios in 2009 while continuing to provide private clients with marketing, technical and promotional copy. She is currently working towards completing her degree in communications.
