Everything you need to know about Poppy (Papaver) Seeds

Poppy (Papaver) Seeds Questions & Answers



Are poppies hard to grow from seed?
Growing poppies from seed can range from easy to moderately challenging, depending on the specific variety and your climate. Papaver Rhoeas and Orientale are easier than Papaver Somniferum which has specific germination requirements and is more sensitive to certain conditions. As Poppies prefer cool weather for germination and early growth, you success rate might be reduced if you have a hot and humid climate.

What are the benefits of Papaver?
Papaver seeds are grown for their colorful and vibrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, pollinators and promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.  Some species are used in traditional medicine to alleviate pain, induce sleep and treat various ailments. Poppy seeds are also edible and are commonly used in baking and cooking.

Should you soak poppy seeds before planting?
Soaking poppy seeds before planting is not necessary, as poppy seeds do not have a hard seed coat. You can simply sow poppy seeds directly into moist soil and keep the planting area consistently moist until germination occurs.

What is the best time to plant poppy seeds?
In general, poppy seeds can be sown outdoors in the spring after the last frost date has passed. However, in cooler climates, poppy seeds can also be sown in the fall for early spring blooms.

Where is the best place to plant poppies?
The best place to plant poppies is in a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Poppies can be planted in flower beds, borders, or containers and can add a beautiful touch to wildflower meadows or cottage gardens.

Can I start poppy seeds indoors?
Yes, you can start poppy seeds indoors. Start them in small pots or seed trays filled with seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, pressing them lightly into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the pots or trays in a warm, sunny location with indirect sunlight. Once the seedlings have grown a few true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors into the garden.

Is Papaver a perennial?
It depends on the variety. Papaver Orientale and Nudicaule are perennials. Papaver Rhoeas and Somniferum are annuals. Also climate plays a role as harsh winters and hot summers can shorten their lifespan and make them act more like annuals.

Should I freeze poppy seeds before planting?
No! Freezing poppy seeds before planting is not recommended. Some gardeners believe that subjecting the seeds to cold temperatures for a period of time, a process known as stratification, can help improve germination rates but this is at refrigerator temperatures and not freezer temps!

Why won't my poppy seeds germinate?
Here are some key factors to consider: Incorrect planting depth (poppy seeds should be sown just on the soil surface and need light to germinate). Lack of Moisture. Temperature (aim for 15-21°C for optimal germination). Old seeds. Compacted or waterlogged soil.

Why are the leaves on my poppies turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on poppy plants may be due to various factors such as overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, soil pH imbalance, diseases, pests, or environmental stress. 

Can poppies be grown in pots?
Yes, poppies can be grown in pots with proper care. Choose a deep pot (at least 30cm) with good drainage, use well-draining soil, place the pot in a sunny location, keep moist.

Do poppies grow best in sun or shade?
Poppies generally grow best in full sun, meaning they thrive when they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some light shade, insufficient sunlight may result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.

Will poppies spread?
Poppies can spread through self-seeding if allowed to go to seed and drop seeds naturally. Some poppies are more prolific self-seeders than others.To control the spread of poppies, you can deadhead the flowers before they go to seed, remove spent flowers regularly, or collect the seeds to prevent them from dispersing.

Can I just sprinkle poppy seeds?
Yes, you can sprinkle poppy seeds directly onto prepared soil for planting. This method mimics natural seed dispersal and can lead to the most successful germination and growth.

Can poppies be houseplants?
While it's possible to start poppy seeds indoors for later transplanting outdoors, maintaining them as houseplants for their entire life cycle isn't practical. Additionally, many poppy species are annual plants, making them less suitable for long-term indoor cultivation.

How do you germinate papaver somniferum seeds?
Use well-draining soil with a neutral pH level. Ensure the soil is loose and not compacted. Sow the seeds on the soil surface as they require light to germinate. Press them gently into the soil to ensure good contact. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. You can mist the soil surface or water gently to avoid displacing the seeds. Place the seed tray or container in a location with plenty of indirect sunlight or under grow lights. Avoid exposing the seeds to direct sunlight initially. Keep the growing area consistently warm, ideally between 18-24°C.

How tall is papaver?
The height of Papaver plants varies greatly depending on the specific species. Here are some examples:Papaver somniferum (opium poppy) and rhoeas (common poppu) grow between 30-100cm tall. Papaver orientale (oriental poppu) grow to 60-90cm and Nudicaule (icelandic poppy) between 20-40cm tall.

How do you collect poppy seeds?
To collect poppy seeds, wait until the seed pods have dried and turned brown on the plant. Then, cut the seed pods from the plant and place them in a paper bag or container. Allow the pods to dry further indoors for about a week. Once dry, shake the pods to release the seeds, and then sift through the material to separate the seeds from the debris. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container until ready to use or sow.

What do you do with poppies when they have finished flowering?
After poppies have finished flowering, you can deadhead them by removing the spent blooms to encourage further flowering. Once the entire plant has finished flowering and the seed pods have dried, you can collect the seeds for planting or culinary use. Additionally, you may choose to leave some seed pods on the plant to self-sow for the next season. Finally, you can cut back the foliage once it has yellowed and died back, and tidy up the plant for winter.

Why do poppies droop?
Poppies may droop due to various reasons such as insufficient water, extreme heat, overcrowding, or heavy rain. Inadequate support or weak stems can also cause drooping. Additionally, pests or diseases affecting the plant's health can lead to wilting.