How to Grow Matilija Poppy (Romneya Coulteri)

Matilija poppy is a tall (6 to 8 feet), majestic plant. Its large white crepe-paper-like flowers have large yellow centers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Mulch
• Plants
• Seeds
• Seeds
• Plants

Choosing Matilija Poppy

1. Look for plants at nurseries in spring through fall, and year-round in warm climates.

2. Buy Matilija poppy in 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds.

Planting Matilija Poppy

4. Plant Matilija poppy in full sun in well-drained soil.

5. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

6. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

7. Set the plants 2 feet apart.

8. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

9. Water well until soil is completely moist.

Caring for Matilija Poppy

10. Once established, Matilija poppy doesn't need fertilizing or extra water.

11. Cut old stems back to the ground in late spring using bypass pruners.

on 8/26/2006 Plant in a naturalized setting at the back of the landscape- this plant will spread in all directions and the leaves tend to brown near the ground, requiring something to be placed in front to conceal the leggy stems.

on 11/22/2005 I soaked the seeds for 24 hours. I gathered dead Christmas tree branches and dried oak tree leaves. I placed ordinary California soil on a fine, wire mesh (a flat, bacon grease spatter stopper). In my fireplace, I started a fire with the leaves and added pine branches. When the fire died down to a smolder, I held the the soil over the smoke for 15 minutes. I added leaves and branches as needed to keep fire going but only smoked over a low, smoldering fire. When the soil had cooled, I placed a coffee filter on the soil and placed the seeds on top. I covered them with another coffee filter and covered everything with a light layer of smoked soil. I then dampened it with drops of water from an eye dropper till it was wet. I covered it with plastic wrap and placed it outside to expose the seeds to temperature fluctuations in November. The seeds began to sprout 2 1/2 weeks later.