Their short flowering time of two weeks makes them a brief but colorful addition to a garden.
They are low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
Oriental poppies are toxic to humans and pets.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
For the most striking effect, plant them in large groups or drifts.
Since oriental poppies disappear during the summer, place them among plants that fill in the empty spots.
How and When to Plant Oriental Poppy
Plant nursery-grown oriental poppies in the early spring.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Dig a hole deep enough (10-12 inches) to accommodate the plants long, carrot-like taproot.
Shallow planting is a common reason why newly planted oriental poppies fail.
Space them 12 to 24 inches apart.
Before planting, loosen up the soil.
They need sunlight to germinate, which should take about 2 to 3 weeks.
Water the area regularly and keep it evenly moist, but not wet.
Light
Oriental poppies grow best in bright,full sun.
At the upper end of their zone range, partial shade is preferable.
They don’t do well in clay or soggy soil.
Oriental poppies are drought-tolerant and, once established, may only need about 1 inch of water per week.
Supplemental watering is only needed if there’s an extended period of drought.
Temperature and Humidity
Oriental poppies do best in cool temperatures and low humidity.
Temperatures over 65oF can inhibit their growth, which is why early spring planting is recommended.
Fertilizer
Oriental poppies don’t need fertilizer unless the soil is poor.
Pruning
If your oriental poppy plants are too crowded, they’ll become weedy.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Remove volunteer seedlings regularly so established plants have the room they need to grow.
Cut plants back to the ground after they flower.
This will encourage healthy foliage and may allow for a second flowering in cooler weather later in the season.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Potting and Repotting Oriental Poppy
Oriental poppies are excellentthriller plantsfor the center of a large container garden.
Allowed them to dry out between waterings.
Remove infected foliage and treat the plant with a fungicide for ornamental plants if the problem persists.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
In shadier locations,aphidsandthripsmay suck the sap from oriental poppies.
Handle the roots very carefully.
Dig a wide circle around the plant and gently lift the roots, shaking off the excess soil.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
Sprinkle the root with arooting hormonethat contains fungicide.
Water the cutting as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Your new sprouts should emerge in approximately 8 weeks and can be transplanted outdoors in the spring.
A central boss of black stamens accents the bright salmon-color flowers with crinkled edges.
It has strong stems with bright red-orange flowers.
The flowers are soft and crepe-papery.
Zones 4-9
Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisyis easy, always fresh, and eye-catching.
All cultivars produce white daisy flowers in various degrees of doubleness and size.
The sturdy stems and long vase life make the flowers unbeatable for cutting.
Zones 5-8
Veronica
Easy and undemanding,veronicalooks great in sunny gardens over many months.
Countless sages (including the herb used in cooking) are available to decorate ornamental gardens.
They have a very long blooming season, right up until frost.
Not all are hardy in cold climates, but they’re easy to grow as annuals.
Yes, oriental poppies self-seed.
“Pet Poison Helpline.
“North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
