When to Plant Poppy Seeds
For optimal growth, it's best to plant poppy seeds directly in their outdoor location rather than transplanting. However, if needed, you can start them indoors in biodegradable peat pots before the last spring frost. Once the seedlings are established, you can plant the entire peat pot outdoors. In zones 3 to 7, such as for the Red Corn Poppy and Shirley Poppy – Mixed Colors, sow the seeds in late autumn or early spring when light frost is still possible. For zones 8 to 10, like for the Shirley Poppy – Mixed Double, plant the seeds in late autumn or winter.
Where to Plant Poppy Seeds
Poppies thrive in ordinary, moist, and well-drained soil, preferably under full sun.
How to Plant Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds benefit from a special cold stratification treatment lasting about 2 weeks before planting.
Poppy seeds should not be covered when planting, as they require light to germinate.
Papaver rhoeas, or common poppies, behave as perennials in milder climates but function as annuals where winters bring freezing temperatures and snow. These poppies thrive in cool to moderate temperatures and can withstand frost. They bloom most prolifically in the cool conditions of spring, with flowering diminishing as temperatures rise in summer. When planting the seeds, avoid burying them deeply; simply press them into the soil as they require light to germinate. One effective method is to mix the seeds with sand and scatter them over the prepared area. If planting in rows, space the seeds 6 to 8 inches apart.
How to Care for Poppies
These varieties of poppy seeds typically germinate in approximately 20 days. Once they emerge, you can thin the seedlings to a spacing of 6 to 8 inches apart. Poppies should be watered regularly, although they can tolerate dry conditions. Fertilization is generally unnecessary for poppies. The time it takes for poppies to bloom after planting typically ranges from 60 to 90 days, depending on your growing zone, planting time, and weather conditions. Poppies typically bloom from spring to summer, with the bloom season lasting a few weeks. Regular watering, mulching for moisture retention, and deadheading spent flowers can extend the bloom time. To prolong the bloom season, consider sowing the seeds in successive plantings.