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GREAT ON BAGELS!
GROW GUIDE:
Poppies generally like sun and fertile, well-drained soil
Choose a site in full sun to light shade. Because
poppies have a rather loose growth habit, they do well in
wildflower-type plantings.
(South) Plant in fall in mild-winter areas, or in very early
spring – (North) Plant as soon as the snow has melted - in
colder regions. Be sure to till and loosen the soil before
planting. Adding peat and compost while tilling/loosening
works wonders.
The best way to plant the seeds is to sprinkle them directly
on the soil surface and then cover them with a very thin layer
of soil, just a few grains will do. While germination is taking
place, the soil should be kept very moist.
Germination is rapid and within a week, the seedlings will
be up. The surface of the soil should be allowed to dry out
somewhat after the seedlings appear, as these young poppies
are very prone to stem rot if subjected to excess moisture.
Sterilized soil should be used to help prevent not only stem
rot, but many other soil born insects and disease.
Keep the soil surface dry, but don't let your poppies die
of thirst, until the secondary leaves have developed. At this
point, the critical time is over and the plants become very
hardy with age. After a few sets of leaves are produced, the
plant may fall over. Don't worry as this is normal and the
plant will start growing upward from this position. Once the
seedlings are 1/2 to 1 inch tall, thin them so that the remaining
plants are 4 to 10 inches apart.
The Tasmanian poppy thrives best in a sandy or loamy black
soil with a pH of 6 or above, but also does well in lighter
soils provided that they are not too acidic. Fertilize with
a good neutral pH fertilizer such as Rapid Gro. Organic compost
may be used as the growing medium, but you must be careful
not to let the pH go below 6. Just as do other plants, the
poppies will deplete the soil of nutrients, and it is important
to replace them with fertilizer. Poppies will survive in poor
soil but they will be stunted in size, and their alkaloid
content lowered.
Keep the plant well watered until flowering. After the flowers
appear, do not water unless absolutely necessary. This is
one of the secrets of high yield. Pull out any plants and
discard if they become ratty- looking. They may spread disease
to others. If successful you’ll have beautiful tall Tasmanians
3-4ft tall. |
Tips: Poppies
don't require often fertilization, but as they become very large
a very mild fertilizer is okay. Because the flowers of poppies
usually last just a few days - until a hard rain or brisk wind
whips them off - it's a good idea to plant another annual on top
of them when they've finished blooming. Marigolds, petunias, periwinkle
and any other easy, warm-season annual are good choices.
The author and publisher assume no responsibility for the safety
or legality of practical use involving any information given in
this guide.
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$5.00
