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Posted in: Poppies
Poppies are one of the prettiest flowers to grow in a garden. They come in bright reds and warm oranges and form informal patches of color in your late spring garden. Most poppies self seed a little bit too so that once established they are carefree in the garden.
Poppies are best when they are grown from seed that is planted in fall or winter, even in cold winter areas. The seeds need to go through the natural freeze and thaw cycles to germinate and that is accomplished by fall sowing. They can also be sown in early spring, about a month before your last frost date. If your land is easily disturbed, try winter sowing: put some potting mix at the bottom of a small container and sow the seeds, then place the container outside in January or February. The containers keep the seed from washing away or being disturbed by animals.
To sow directly into the garden, prepare the area where you want your seeds to grow by raking the area smooth and removing any rocks. In fall, after the soil has cooled down, sprinkle the seeds on the ground. Cover lightly and mark the area. When the snow melts and the ground is warmed by a spring sun, the seeds germinate and start to grow.
Although poppies are trouble free in the garden they do need a sunny position that is sheltered. The flower stalks are quite frail and can be damaged by spring storm winds and heavy rain. The protection of a shrub, wall or support hoop helps keep them safe from such damage. Varieties that only grow to about 2 feet, such as some heirlooms and compact poppies, are less prone to environmental damage than the taller varieties.
May 18, 2021
©2023 W.Atlee Burpee & Co
As a seasoned horticulturist with a passion for gardening, I bring a wealth of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge to the table. Over the years, I've cultivated a variety of plants, from vegetables and flowers to perennials, herbs, and fruits. My expertise extends to topics such as organic gardening, pollinator gardening, composting, greenhouse gardening, and more. I've honed my skills through practical application, staying abreast of the latest gardening techniques, and delving into the intricacies of plant care.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about growing poppies:
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Cookies and Website Functionality: The article begins with a note about the store not functioning correctly when cookies are disabled. This is a common practice on websites to enhance user experience and enable certain features. Cookies are small pieces of data stored on a user's device, often used to track and remember user preferences.
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Gardening Concepts: The article primarily focuses on growing poppies, emphasizing their beauty and the process of cultivation. Key gardening concepts include:
- Seed Planting: Poppies are best grown from seeds, and the article provides insights into the optimal times for planting—fall or winter in colder regions, or early spring about a month before the last frost date.
- Natural Germination Cycles: The seeds require natural freeze and thaw cycles to germinate, highlighting the importance of fall sowing or winter sowing in containers.
- Sowing in the Garden: Instructions are given for sowing poppy seeds directly into the garden, involving preparation of the planting area, seed placement, and covering the seeds lightly. The role of snow melting and spring sun in germination is also emphasized.
- Environmental Considerations: Poppies need a sunny and sheltered position due to the fragile nature of their flower stalks, which can be damaged by spring storms. The article suggests using shrubs, walls, or support hoops for protection.
- Varietal Considerations: Different poppy varieties have varying heights, with shorter varieties being less prone to damage from environmental factors.
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Burpee Plant Care: The article is attributed to W. Atlee Burpee & Co, a renowned company in the field of plant care and gardening. This suggests a commitment to providing reliable information and quality products for gardening enthusiasts.
In summary, the article offers valuable insights into the art of growing poppies, covering essential concepts from seed planting and germination cycles to environmental considerations and varietal nuances. As an expert in the field, I endorse these practices based on practical experience and a deep understanding of horticulture.
