How to Grow Poppies

There are around 70 species of Poppy, but only a few are commonly grown and planted in our gardens. The three main types of Poppy grown are illustrated above: Icelandic, Corn and Oriental Poppy. Although all poppies they have very different growing requirements. 

 The annual Poppy is also known as Field, Flanders and Corn poppy, and is the red poppy often seen in the wild, on the edges of fields and look lovely in a wildflower settings with swathes of bright red. Recently, the annual ladybird poppy (image below right) has become popular, which isnot dissimilar to the field poppy, but with ladybird type markings. 

  The images show the familiar bright red poppy. This type of Poppy prefers well drained, poor soil and full sun. As an annual it has to be sown each year, from March to May on soil which is well raked fine soil and seed directly into the soil. As with all seeds, ensure that the tiny seedlings do not dry out. Poppies will self seed but not always reliably as successful germination is dependent on the growing conditions.  

Dry fine soil is important for annual re seeding.  The annual field poppy is commonly seen growing in fields in the drier parts of the UK such as Dorset and the East. The drought of 2018 caused the poppy to put in an appearance much further North with the drier conditions. 

There are two types of popular perennial poppies; Icelandic and Oriental. Common characteristics of Poppies is that they are generally easy to grow.  The Icelandic Poppy, illustrated top left and Oriental Poppies top right, also prefer soil on the dry side which is well drained, and with plenty of sun. The Icelandic poppy, although not from Iceland, developed from a species originating in cold arctic areas and as such Icelandic poppies prefer cooler growing conditions. They are fully hardy, a smaller poppy growing upwards to 30cms or 12".   Not technically a perennial but a biennial, and self seeder, it does make a re appearance each year although not always in the same spot. The flowers are short lived and blooms are yellow, white, and orange. It is very colourful and makes a great splash of colour in the border. Easy to grow and freely self seeding it reappears in borders from year to year. 

Shown on the top right is Papaver Orientale, the oriental poppy, which in fact originates from Turkey and Iran and is a big blousy poppy with lots of style and colour, and easy to grow. It has much larger flowers and is a perennial which comes up year after year. It will tolerate a damper soil than the other two varieties. Whereas some poppies are annuals and biennials, the Oriental Poppy is perennial bringing colour to the garden year after year. 

The Oriental Poppy flowers from late spring to early summer with each stem supporting one large flower. This poppy also likes sun to be planted in a sunny spot to flower well, but is otherwise is not fussy about conditions. The oriental poppy has large flower heads which tend to bit floppy with a risk it will overlay other plants if not staked. The Oriental poppy is a keen seeder and you will soon have other clumps emerging. The one down side is that the leaves die back on the Oriental Poppy after flowering which can leave a gap in the border. It is possible to get a second flush of flowers by cutting back the flower stems on Papaver Orientale as soon as it has flowered, cut right back to the ground level. Oriental poppies are suitable for the middle of the border, medium height around 45cm - 90cms. Oriental poppies are easy to grow and reliable flowering plants. 

If poppies are not the flower for you take a look at Spring and Summer flowering plants.

The image above is of the exotic blue poppy called Meconopsis, common name Himalayan Blue Poppy, which likes cool shady conditions with a damp well drained soil. It is a beautiful Poppy and it is also the exception to the rule that poppies are easy to grow. This type of poppy, Meconopsis is correctly considered difficult to grow, thriving only in cooler areas in the North of Britain and Scotland.  It is most suited to woodland settings and damp conditions. 

  Meconopsis Grandis 'Branklyn' the Himalayan Blue Poppy is a stunning plant, but it is very particular about its growing conditions and can be short lived. It needs a sheltered shady spot in moist, acid soil. It will not tolerate warm dry spots. It is a native of Tibet where summers are cool and wet, and winters cold and snowy which are the conditions it is best suited to. It is ideal in a woodland garden, a shady area and will tolerate coastal conditions. Meconopis grow to around 1m, it is summer flowering and fully hardy. Meconopsis can short lived and if grown in a dry spot will be Monocarpic, i.e. die after first flowering so the right spot is crucial. 

Some varieties are Monocarpic by nature and so selecting a variety is important. M. betonicifolia and grandis are not by nature monocarpic and have the RHS garden merit award and would make a good choice.  Recommended varieties with award of garden merit are M. baileyi, M 'Jimmy Bane', M. 'Huntfield' and M. 'Barney's Blue'