Direct Sow Poppies in Winter - Jack Frost Landscapes & Garden Center (2024)

FAQs

When can I direct sow poppies? ›

Sow poppies from fall to very early spring (several weeks ahead of your last frost). In mid- to late-spring some very tiny seedlings will emerge (be patient).

Poppies can be sprinkled, sown directly into soil, or they can be started indoors. We only sprinkle them when we have an abundance of seed, since only a fraction establish.

Cut drainage holes in the bottom and then fill with dirt and seeds. Duct tape the cut, and set it out in the sun in January or February. Leave the cap off to allow rainwater and snow in for moisture.

We highly recommend sowing seeds directly in the garden at the last spring frost date, but if necessary to start your seeds indoors, do so 2-3 weeks prior to the last frost. California Poppies do not like their roots disturbed and therefore should not be transplanted.

Poppy seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Poppy seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden.

Poppies do a great job of attracting beneficial pollinators to both ornamental and edible gardens. Just avoid planting Poppies of any kind near Brassica plants in the kitchen garden, including broccoli, cauliflower, leafy mustards, kale, brussels sprouts, collards, and cabbages.

Poppy seeds need light to germinate. Cover seed with no more than 1/8 inch of soil. Seeds also germinated better when exposed to freezing and thawing conditions; therefore, sow seeds either in late fall or very early spring.

Poppy seeds need light and oxygen for germination and your seeds may not germinate if they are buried. Water your poppy patch and keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seeds are well on their way. We recommend using a slug/snail bait.

Deer do not eat poppies. The strong scent of poppies keeps them away. They are also toxic to deer. They are unlikely to eat any part of the plant.

60°F to 80°F is ideal for California Poppy growth and flowering. Above 80°F? Shade and water to revive; below 60°F? Mulch and cloches to warm.

Where is the best place to sow poppies? ›

Most poppies thrive in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Field poppies and opium tolerate drier, poorer soils than oriental poppies, while Himalayan poppies do best in moist, slightly acidic soils, in partial shade.

Annual poppies will grow from seed to bloom in their first season. Perennials are more likely to develop their root systems in the first year and flower in year two or three. Biennials will often bloom in their first years if planted early.

You can sprinkle the seeds without any sand – just make sure to use another kind of marker to indicate where you're planting. Poppies germinate best with some light so do not bury the seeds. Cover them with a very thin layer of fine soil or just press them into the soil.

Poppies are not a big fan of being transplanted and prefer to be direct sown. However, they can be grown as transplants. If you are growing them as transplants in trays, be sure to “bottom water” the tray by setting it in a pan of water. Overhead watering can wash away the tiny seeds.

Seed Cultivation

Poppy seeds need light to germinate. Cover seed with no more than 1/8 inch of soil. Seeds also germinated better when exposed to freezing and thawing conditions; therefore, sow seeds either in late fall or very early spring.

Light is required for germination, so gently press the poppy seeds into the soil without covering them more than 1/8 of an inch. Keep the poppy seeds moist but not soggy. Once the poppy seedlings emerge in 14 to 21 days, thin the seedlings to a spacing of 6 to 8 inches apart.