How to Grow Your Own Poppies

Poppies are available in both annual and perennial varieties and an almost endless array of colors. The petals are very thin and have a texture similar to that of crepe paper. The plants range in size from 5 inches to 4 feet tall. Poppies do best in full sun and well-drained soil. Both annual and perennial types should be started from seed, as the seedlings struggle if transplanted. Plant poppy seeds in the early spring if you live in an area with cold winters. In Zone 7 and above, the seeds can be planted in the fall.

Garden fork
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Pull up all grass and weeds from the planting site and remove all rocks and debris.
- 2
  Cultivate the soil, using a garden fork, to a depth of 8 to 12 inches.
- 3
  Broadcast the seeds on the surface of the soil. Cover them with fine soil to a depth of 1/8 inch and water just enough to moisten the soil. Be careful not to cover the seeds more deeply than recommended, because they will not germinate without sufficient heat and sunlight.
- 4
  Continue to moisten the soil anytime the top 1/2 inch of soil feels dry after seedlings emerge. Thin the young plants when they are 1 inch tall, leaving a space of 6 to 10 inches between each one. Once the plants are well-established, water only when more than a week has passed without rainfall.
- 5
  Clip off any faded flowers, using pruning shears, to prolong the blooming cycle and to prevent reseeding -- which will keep poppy seedlings from invading all areas of your yard or garden.

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