Himalayan Poppy Seedling Identification

Location

• Himalayan blue poppy is native to East Asia. It is found from the Himalayas to China, across to Nepal and Szechuan. It prefers moist soils in partial sun in clay, loam or sand as long as the soil has excellent drainage. The best pH ranges are 6 in acidic soils and between 6 and 8 in neutral soils. The Himalayan poppy is found in its native range in dappled moist forest soils. It does not do well in windy conditions and should have some protection from sun and other elements.

Seeds and Seedlings

• The poppy's seedlings have prickly, heart-shaped leaves formed in a low rosette. As soon as the stems lengthen the mature leaves are hairy and deeply cut. The seeds are borne in green oval capsules that come to a point with dark hairs over the entire surface. They age to a light brown or tan color and the exterior hardens. The capsule splits in fall when the seeds are ripe and scatters the brownish black comma shaped seeds around the parent plant. The seed will germinate and produce seedlings in approximately 103 days. Seedlings are vigorous enough to withstand in-site conditions if it is not too windy and temperatures do not drop.

Sowing Seeds

• Himalayan poppy can be started indoors in a seed flat filled with rich organic soil topped with a thin layer of coarse sand. Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of the soil and then misted in to contact the sand. Then cover the flat to keep it warm and moist. Place the flat in a dimly lit area where temperatures are at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist the seed every day or when the top of the soil appears dry. The seeds should germinate in two or more weeks.

Planting

• After germination, remove the cover and keep the seedlings evenly moist but not soggy. Place them in indirect light where temperatures are warm. Plant seedlings outside in six weeks or when all danger of frost has passed. Gradually acclimate them to conditions by introducing them to the outdoors for longer and longer periods over a weeks time. Plant the seedlings in rich soil with generous amounts of compost or organic matter worked in to increase fertility and tilth. Chose a partial sun location and provide supplemental water to keep the soil moderately wet.