How to Grow Poppies
Selecting the Site for Poppies
Picking soil for poppies is an easy task as it can grow in moist soil. The soil should be properly drained and a little dry. In average soils, you can mix some compost before planting.
Preparing the Site
Poppies are beautiful plants and have medicinal benefits but contain alkaloids, which could be poisonous. It is advised that, before you prepare the site for poppies, you check with your local authorities if it is legal to grow it in your area. After checking with local authorities, you can plant the seeds directly in the flowerbed. You do not have to cover the seeds with soil; just remember to sprinkle the soil lightly. The distance between each plant should be between four and ten inches.
Materials Needed
Poppies
Water
Pesticide
Garden spade
Watering
Soil should be moist but not over soaked to ensure the plant’s good health.
Nutrients Needed
Poppies do not require fertilizers. Pests and diseases seldom rarely affect them. Pesticides may be needed only occasionally.
Winter Season
This plant does not grow in the winter season. If you plan to grow it, you should plant it in springtime. During the spring, try planting as early as possible. You can plant it right after the snow recedes. You could also start planting when the snow begins to melt.
Harvesting
The period of harvesting poppies varies according to the climate, but it is roughly two weeks after the petals fall.
When the capsule becomes hard, it is time to harvest, an activity that would continue for approximately a week. The harvesting may take even longer as not all capsules ripen at the same time.