How to Start an Oriental Poppy From a Seed
Some hardy perennials like Papaver orientale (oriental poppies) are easy to grow from seed. Unlike annual flowers, they don't need much heat to germinate. The best time to start oriental poppy seeds indoors is in March and April. Alternatively, you can sow the seeds outdoors, on top of the snow, in early winter. As the snow melts in the spring, it will push the seeds into the soil, helping them to germinate. However, starting oriental poppy seeds inside may give you more peace of mind. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Potting soil
- Peat pots
- Water
- Plant mister
- Watering can
- Fluorescent lights
- Timer
Instructions
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Fill peat pots with potting soil formulated for starting seeds, and tamp down the soil. Water the soil until water drips out the bottom of the pot. Peat pots are used for starting oriental poppies because the plants have long taproots and do not like to be disturbed. You can plant the peat pot directly into the garden.
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Firmly press three seeds into each pot. Do not cover them with soil. Oriental poppy seeds need light to germinate.
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Mist the seeds until they are soaked. Continue to mist them whenever they dry out until they germinate.
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Place the pots in a cool place for germination. A cool windowsill is ideal. The seeds will take eight to 15 days to germinate.
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After germination, move the pots underneath a fluorescent light plugged into a timer for 12 hours of light. Lower the light directly on top of, but not touching, the leaves of the oriental poppies. This prevents them from growing spindly and weak.
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As the plants grow, pull out all but the strongest seedlings. Pinch off the growing shoots to encourage side growth and keep plants healthy.
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Transplant the seedlings, pot and all, into the garden after the last frost date.
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References
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