Perennial Poppy Seeds: 5 Tips for Growing the Best Poppies

Make your perennial poppies stand out.

The seeds of perennial poppy are an excellent addition to any garden. They provide beautiful blooms to any bed, border, or rock garden year after year. With wide varieties, gardeners will be astounded at how many ways they can be incorporated into a backyard oasis. Various techniques can be used to make perennial poppies shine the brightest. Expert Guide to buy papaver somniferum pods.

Herbaceous Poppies should be pruned.

Oriental poppies thrive in herbaceous borders, where they appear seemingly out of nowhere in the early spring. However, flower stalks will occur quickly, sending up lush green foliage and providing plenty of blooms to hover among early spring borders.

It is critical to ensure that such poppies are cut back after flowering to increase plant vigor. After the initial blooming period, the flower stems and leaves will wilt and turn brown. Therefore, poppies in the Asian family, unlike many other herbaceous plants that can be left during this period, should be cut back to ground level. New leaves will appear over the next few months as the plant replenishes itself. While not flowering again, these leaves will ensure more energy is produced and stored so that perennial poppies can put on an even better show the following year.

Use Shade Lovers.

Many gardeners find it difficult to find plants that will thrive in shady areas. Horticulturists commonly use plants such as ferns and vincas to provide some green foliage cover. However, the poppy species Meconopsis is an excellent plant for moist shade and provides a different option for shady areas. Meconopsis varieties, also known as Himalayan Poppy, come in various colors, with vibrant stems and flowers in blue, yellow, red, purple, or white. These will add blooms to dappled shade areas and brighten any green-carpeted room.

Colors in Contrast

One thing to remember about all perennial poppies is that they come in various colors. Oriental poppies, in particular, can be purchased in multiple colors ranging from pinks and reds to purples and whites. Using two highlighted hues to contrast flower color can be highly effective within a border. For example, fill walls with oranges and purples for a tropical feel, or use white and pink for a cottage garden feel.

Planting Pots

A variety of perennial poppies can be used successfully in pots. These can add color to windowsills, patios, decking, and gazebos. For example, gravel mulch is used to highlight the blooms of Papaver Alpinium, the alpine poppy. Alternatively, Iceland poppies will add a robust flavor to any quiet area of your garden.

Gather Seeds

While many gardeners expect to save and collect seeds from annual poppy varieties, perennial poppies can also be held and managed, providing a great source of new plants. While oriental poppies are more difficult to propagate from seed and should be cut down after flowering, you should leave one or two seed pods on the plant until they are dry and save them for planting. Other perennial poppy seed varieties are also excellent for seed collection. Gently shake seed pods into an envelope or paper bag,them, and store them until spring warmth signals the time to sow and germinate various new plants with perennial poppy seeds.

Read Also: Poppy Flower Seeds – Growing And Germinating Annual Poppies