Poppy Cultivation Instructions

Poppy is a common name for plants in the Papaver genus. Within this group there are annuals, perennials and biennials. Their summer flowers may be fleeting but they’re often big, blousy and a wonderful addition to any garden in May and June. The larger oriental types are popular with gardeners. They have hairy flower stems and foliage. Flower petals can be ruffled, crimped or shaggy. Flowers range from white, pink and red and measure about 15cm across. Oriental poppies grow best in USDA zones 3-9, perfect for colder, as well as temperate climates. They are not well suited for regions with warm winters or hot, humid summers. 

How to plant an Oriental Poppy:

1. Choose the Right Planting Time

• The best time to plant bare root oriental poppies is in early spring or fall when the plant is dormant.

2. Select a Planting Site

• Sunlight: Oriental poppies thrive in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil is ideal. They don’t like soggy soil. If necessary, amend heavy clay soil with compost or sand.
• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

3. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep.
• Mix in compost or organic matter for added nutrients.
• Ensure good drainage—if needed, create a raised bed or plant on a slight mound.

4. Soak the Bare Root (Optional but Beneficial)

• Soak the roots in room temperature water for 1-2 hours before planting to rehydrate them.

5. Plant the Bare Root

• Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the entire root system (about 6–8 inches deep).
• Identify the crown (where the roots meet the stem). This should be placed slightly below the soil surface, about 1-2 inches down.
• Spread out the roots and backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it down.

6. Watering

• Water thoroughly after planting.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy until you see new growth. After establishment, oriental poppies are drought-tolerant.

7. Mulching (Optional)

• A light layer of mulch can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially in winter.

8. Caring for Your Poppy

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, but avoid overwatering.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• Cutting Back: After blooming in summer, the foliage may die back. You can trim it down, and new leaves will emerge in fall. 

Once established, oriental poppies are low-maintenance and will return year after year with stunning blooms! 🌺

Poppies flower in May and June and once the flowers have gone over the foliage also dies back. The foliage will have a second lease of life in August. Plant them alongside low-growing perennials that will fill the gap in July when the foliage dies back. Hardy geraniums are ideal. Poppies are rarely planted in containers and perform much better in the garden.

Oriental poppies hold their large flowers on strong hairy stems. However, they may need the help of a plant support to keep them upright. A poppy flower will last for about 10 days but plants will have a second flush of flowers if they’re cut back. Allow oriental poppies to set seed and the plant will not have enough energy to produce more flowers. Plants should be cut right back to ground level in autumn. 

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