How to Care for a Poppy Flower

Poppy flowers can be found growing in large groups or alone. They come in a range of colors-red and yellow being the most well known-but also white, pink, orange and blue. Caring for a poppy flower is not difficult, but they can get out of hand if completely neglected. Basic knowledge on how to care for this plant will make these colorful flowers a beautiful addition to your garden.

Instructions

1. Sow the poppy seeds in the early spring. They are frost resistant and germinate well in cold weather. Make sure you choose a site with well-drained soil and a good amount of sunlight. Poppies need at least six hours of sun a day to thrive. Simply scatter the seeds where you would like them, and cover them with a thin layer of soil.

2. Layer a small amount of fertilizer or organic compound around the plants. This is not absolutely necessary because most poppy plants are used to rocky soils, but it will help them to thrive.

3. Water the newly spread seeds. Do not let them dry out until they have taken root. Once the plants have established roots, very little watering is needed.

4. Thin out the plants after they grow an inch if you decide to plant many of them. Leave six to 10 inches between the flowers so they can breathe well.

5. Allow the flowers to grow naturally. They do not respond to pruning or deadheading. Seeds from the original flowers will germinate easily in the soil, and new seedlings should be pulled out to keep good air circulation around the plants.

References

• University of Nebrask, Lincoln Horticulture Extension
• University of Idaho Extension