Growing Poppies
Some Helpful Pointers for Growing Poppies
Growing poppies is fairly easy to do, and we'll describe growing by seed. Most people who buy poppy seeds are actually buying them to plant in gardens, not to use in the growing and production of opium, although that does get a lot more internet coverage.
You will find that a seed pack will contain a few hundred poppy seeds, so one or two will be more than enough for the average recreational gardener.
Poppies like a cooler climate more than hot weather. If you are growing poppies in hot climates, they need to be planted in hilly areas or shady spots, where it stays cooler. Poppies grow to their fullest height in well-drained, loose soil. They dislike heavy soils like clay, which can be too dense for them.
A sharp temperature drop at night is not something most plants prefer, but that is just what growing poppies thrive on. A drop of twenty degrees F is not too much. In fact, that's better than even temperatures, especially during the poppies' first eight weeks.
Germination is the plant's first step of life. Place the seed in soil and supply it with plenty of water. If the seeds are good quality and the conditions are right, they will germinate.
Space the seeds about five inches apart to allow for root growth. Cover them with loose soil, about a half-inch thick. During the plants' germination cycle, daytime temperatures of 50-65 degrees F work the best, and night-time temperatures of 35-45 degrees F.
Once you plant your poppy seeds, mist them with water once a day at least, and keep them moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be kept moist as well, until the plant has a chance to germinate and produce a main root and leaves.
When you see your poppies' first leaves, this is their sign that they have germinated properly, and that their roots have begun to establish themselves. The poppy seeds are still vulnerable, up until your sprouts are about two inches tall.
The poppy plants can be started late in Autumn or early in the Spring. If you opt to plant in the fall, plant them with enough time to grow a few inches tall before snow hits your area.
The poppies will stay dormant through the winter, and then will grow again in the spring. Some will die over the course of the winter, but the snow makes a good insulator, and many will survive.
If you plant in the Springtime, plant as early in the season as you can. This will give your growing poppies a chance to reach their best possible height and flower size.
Once your poppies bloom, their bright flowers will make your garden more eye-appealing.