Perennial Propagation of Oriental Poppies

Oriental poppies grow to heights of about 3 feet at maturity.

Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) are perennial flowers that take center stage in the landscape every spring with big, silky blooms in bold shades of orange, red, white and pink. Oriental poppies are suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 through 7. Propagate Oriental poppies by planting seeds, dividing mature plants or taking root divisions.

Planting Seeds

Oriental poppy seeds need a sunny location in the garden and fairly dry soil. To plant Oriental poppy seeds, scatter the seeds directly on cultivated soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, then water. Oriental poppy seeds germinate in 10 to 15 days. Alternatively, plant Oriental poppy seeds indoors. Plant the seeds in plantable peat pots in late winter, as Oriental poppies don't transplant well if their roots are disturbed. Plant the seedlings in your garden, pot and all, when the weather warms in spring.

Division

For most gardeners, division is the easiest way to propagate Oriental poppies. The best time for dividing the plants is in September, when the plant is beginning to emerge from its hot weather dormancy. Use a garden fork or spade to dig the entire clump, then divide the clump into smaller plants with your hands or a spade. Discard any old, woody sections, then replant the parent plant. Plant the small Oriental poppy plants in a sunny spot where the soil has been cultivated ahead of time. Water deeply to saturate the soil.

Root Cuttings

While propagation by root cuttings isn't effective for most perennials, it's a simple technique that works well for Oriental poppies. To propagate Oriental poppies by root cuttings, dig up the entire Oriental poppy while the plant is dormant in midsummer or early spring. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut off 2- to 3-inch segments of healthy roots, then replant the main plant. Lay the root cuttings on a planting tray filled with moist commercial potting soil. Cover the cuttings with 1/2 inch of potting soil, then place the tray inside a plastic bag. Place the tray in a shady spot in your garden. Remove the plastic and plant the new plants in your garden when new growth appears in several weeks.

General Care

Once established, Oriental poppies are hardy plants that do best if they're left alone. Although Oriental poppies withstand a fair amount of neglect, the plants require full sunlight and won't tolerate soggy soil. Water the plants occasionally during hot, dry weather. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch such as straw or pine needles around the plants in late autumn, then remove the mulch when new shoots emerge in spring.

References

• Colorado State University Cooperative Extension; Oriental Poppies (Papaver Orientale); Margaret Wolf
• Purdue University Consumer Horticulture; New Plants From Cuttings; Mary Welch-Keesey, et al; August 11, 2009
• Poppies.ws: Grow Oriental Poppies From Seed
• Michigan State University Extension: Papaver Orientale -- Oriental Poppy
• Illinois State University Extension; Oriental Poppies; Jennifer Schultz Nelson; May 27, 2007