How to Get Himalayan Blue Poppy Seeds to Germinate

Himalayan blue poppies aren’t true poppies, but they produce delicate, sky-blue, poppy-like blossoms from spring until early fall. Although they are listed for U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 to 9, they are difficult to grow outside the cool, moist climate of the Pacific Northwest. Gardeners in warmer climates can try to compensate for the heat by providing partial shade, but the plants won’t perform well. Seeds are notoriously difficult to germinate, and you shouldn’t try to start them indoors.

Things You'll Need

Shovel
Compost

Garden rake
Watering can

Instructions

- 1
  Plant the seeds in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Himalayan blue poppies like a soil that stays moist, but their roots and crowns rot in wet, soggy soil.
- 2
  Prepare the garden bed by removing weeds and loosening the soil with a shovel. If the soil is not rich in organic material, apply a 2-inch layer of compost and work it into the soil. Smooth the soil with a garden rake and moisten it with water.
- 3
  Lay the seeds on top of the soil, spacing them an inch apart. Sow the seeds thickly because the germination rate is low.
- 4
  Sprinkle the seeds with just enough soil to cover them. Seeds buried too deeply won’t germinate.
- 5
  Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Use a watering can to water gently so as not to disturb the seeds.
- 6
  When seedlings emerge, thin them to 8 to 12 inches apart.

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