How to Transplant Oriental Poppies
Oriental poppies are a startling, exotic species of flower to house in your garden, silky to the touch and available in colors from creamy white to purple, salmon and crimson. These early summer bloomers grow from 2 feet to 4 feet high, have long stems that are 6 inches in length and can make a bold statement in your landscaping design, especially when contrasted with other foliage. Using a variety of poppies in your garden will allow you the joy of viewing blossoms all the way from summer to fall. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Gardening fork
- Gardening spade
- Poppy plants or root cuttings
- Compost
- Water
Instructions
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Seek out an area that has adequate drainage and plenty of sun. Poppies should be transplanted when they are dormant in August. They do not like to be moved, so search for a permanent location spot. You will have better luck planting from root stems rather than transplanting entire flowers, as once they are established, they generally do not adapt well to the change. If you plant from root stems, plant in early spring or fall.
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Prepare the soil by loosening it with a gardening fork down to 12 to 14 inches deep, and mix in a 4- inch layer of compost.
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If transplanting poppies from a container, dig a hole that is twice the size in diameter as the pot and carefully remove the root ball from it. If you are using your own root cuttings, use pieces that are 3 1/2 inches in length and covered in a good inch of soil. Poppies should be planted 14 to 16 inches apart. Do not plant too shallowly, or they will retain too much water near the roots and rot.
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Fill in the soil around the root carefully, patting it down firmly. Give the newly planted flower a good drink of water and you are done.
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Aftercare of the plant is simple: Compost lightly in the spring with two layers of fresh mulch on top to help control the weeds and retain moisture. Summer months when the plant is dormant only require periodic watering during drought conditions. Poppies begin growth again in the fall until it frosts. Apply a 6-inch layer of mulch after the first freeze to prevent heaving. Remove the protective mulch layer in the spring.
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Tips & Warnings
Divide plant in the early spring or summertime; poppies may be left to self-seed or be dead-headed. Stake lengthy poppies so they don't lean over in the garden. Feed poppies an inch of water weekly when budding or in bloom.
Poppies should not be overwatered when dormant.
