A Brief Introduction to Growing Poppies
Poppies are a beautiful and dramatic addition to any garden and the great news for novice gardeners is that growing poppies is not very difficult. These flowers are endemic to many different climatic and soil conditions from parts of Asia to parts of Europe and so there are many cultivars available. They are available as perennials and as annuals. They are available in a dramatic range of colors and they produce long-lasting blooms. While the medicinal and narcotic uses of poppy are known to many, the fact that its seeds and oil are used for cooking or baking is not as widely known. Some gardeners like the fact that the poppy seeds work well to draw birds to the garden also.
Starting from seed
If you are interested in growing poppies, remember that they are easy to start from seed. They do not need to be planted very deep in the soil. If you live in a place where the weather is relatively warm, you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. If you live in a place with a significant winter, it is best to start the seeds indoors in late winter so that you can transplant the saplings after the last of the spring frost. Six to eight weeks is the recommended start time if you are starting indoors. Poppy seeds need plenty of room for root growth and so planting seeds in individual pots is a good option and this will also make the transplanting process easier.
Plant the poppy seeds or saplings in a place with plenty of sun exposure and also with partial shade. They need good light and well drained soil. They seem able to thrive in different types of soil. It is a good idea to plant them 8 inches to 18 inches apart to allow room for growth. The distance will be determined by the variety you choose. It is good to keep in mind that they grow to be about two to three feet tall. The drama of the poppy flower is apparent if it is planted in a big grouping.
Choose a location that is a little sheltered as poppies are fragile flowers that can droop if facing a heavy breeze.
Gardeners growing poppies will be happy to know that these plants do not need much water. They are drought tolerant to some extent. So water with a light hand and hold off on watering if it has rained recently.
The plants grow fairly quickly and you can expect your first blooms in early summer. They tend to produce flowers continuously through the warm months. The blooms do not last long and so some gardeners intersperse poppies with other flowers to make sure that there is a balance of colors in their landscape.
The poppy plants need fertilization on a monthly basis during the blooming months to ensure that the plants perform at their best. If you have a perennial poppy plant, fertilize in spring prior to the flowering period. As part of maintenance, it is also a good idea to mulch and week around the plants. Mulching helps the ground retain some moisture and adds to the dramatic impact of the poppy.
Poppies are essentially wild flowers and in as such they do not need much care-giving. They are not particularly susceptible to any disease or illness and respond well to early intervention with a fungicide or pesticide if found to be harboring a bug.
As poppies cross pollinate with ease, you may find that your garden has new colors of poppies within a few cycles of planting a couple of shades. It is easy to collect seeds and expand the poppy area of your garden. If you are gardener with a strictly laid out plan, it is a good idea to monitor the poppies to make sure that they do not spread wildly.