How to Start Blue Poppies From a Seed

Blue poppies, or Meconopsis betonicifolia, is a cold hearty plant originating in the Himalayas. This plant does well in cool and partially shady conditions with a temperature ranging from 60 to 65 degrees. The optimal USDA hardiness zones for blue poppies are 3 through 9. Blue poppies are a fragile, but showy plant that will bloom with blue flowers in the late summer and early fall.

Paper towel
Plastic bag
Refrigerator

Instructions

- 1
  Moisten a paper towel and ring it out so that there is no water dripping.
- 2
  Sprinkle the seeds onto the paper towel. Fold the paper towel over and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Set the bag in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator for four weeks. This cold period will end the seed’s natural dormancy.
- 3
  Direct sow the seeds in early spring in your garden. The soil should be acidic and rich with organic matter such as compost. Avoid soil that is too soggy or the seeds will rot.
- 4
  Keep the soil moist for two to four weeks, or until the seeds germinate and sprout.
- 5
  Water the poppies whenever they begin to wilt and enjoy their beauty.

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