Oriental Poppy Seeds
Papaver orientale
How to plant Oriental Poppy seedsHuge perennial poppies for cool winter climates. Oriental Poppies grow and flower best in zones 3-8: they prefer a good winter chill.
How to Plant and Grow Oriental Poppy
Plant Oriental Poppy Seeds: Sow Oriental poppy seeds in 2 in. pots or cell packs, press into soil, do not cover. Needs light to germinate. Kept at 65°F., germination is in 14-21 days. Can direct sow into prepared seed beds in rows. Thin seedlings to 12-18 in. apart.
Grow Oriental Poppy: Full sun. Oriental poppies prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Provide regular water first season, less water in following years. Oriental poppies are long-lived in cold winter climates; they can thrive for decades.
For Bouquets: Cut Oriental poppy stems in the morning as flower petals unfold, sear fresh cut with match. Flowers are followed by large, ornamental pods filled with thousands of spicy, nutty-flavored, edible seeds.
Oriental Poppy plants go dormant after flowering. Foliage returns in fall, remains through winter. Place next to sprawling plants such as baby's breath, they fill summer gaps. Divide Oriental poppy plants infrequently, every 4-5 years in mid- to late summer.
Propagate favorite plants: Lift, then cut roots into 3-4 in. sections. Plant 1 in. deep.
Oriental Poppies attract bees, birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plants are rabbit and deer resistant.
