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GROW GUIDE:

Poppies generally like sun and fertile, well-drained soil

Choose a site in full sun to light shade. Because poppies have a rather loose growth habit, they do well in wildflower-type plantings.

(South) Plant in fall in mild-winter areas, or in very early spring – (North) Plant as soon as the snow has melted - in colder regions.

Be sure to till and loosen the soil before planting. Adding peat and compost while tilling/loosening works wonders.

The best way to plant the seeds is to sprinkle them directly on the soil surface and then cover them with a very thin layer of soil, just a few grains will do. While germination is taking place, the soil should be kept very moist.

Germination is rapid and within a week, the seedlings will be up. The surface of the soil should be allowed to dry out somewhat after the seedlings appear, as these young poppies are very prone to stem rot if subjected to excess moisture. Sterilized soil should be used to help prevent not only stem rot, but many other soil born insects and disease.

Keep the soil surface dry, but don't let your poppies die of thirst, until the secondary leaves have developed. At this point, the critical time is over and the plants become very hardy with age. After a few sets of leaves are produced, the plant may fall over. Don't worry as this is normal and the plant will start growing upward from this position. Once the seedlings are 1/2 to 1 inch tall, thin them so that the remaining plants are 4 to 10 inches apart.

The Tasmanian poppy thrives best in a sandy or loamy black soil with a pH of 6 or above, but also does well in lighter soils provided that they are not too acidic. Fertilize with a good neutral pH fertilizer such as Rapid Gro. Organic compost may be used as the growing medium, but you must be careful not to let the pH go below 6. Just as do other plants, the poppies will deplete the soil of nutrients, and it is important to replace them with fertilizer. Poppies will survive in poor soil but they will be stunted in size, and their alkaloid content lowered.

Keep the plant well watered until flowering. After the flowers appear, do not water unless absolutely necessary. This is one of the secrets of high yield. Pull out any plants and discard if they become ratty- looking. They may spread disease to others. If successful you’ll have beautiful tall Tasmanians 3-4ft tall. 

Tips: Poppies don't require often fertilization, but as they become very large a very mild fertilizer is okay. Because the flowers of poppies usually last just a few days - until a hard rain or brisk wind whips them off - it's a good idea to plant another annual on top of them when they've finished blooming. Marigolds, petunias, periwinkle and any other easy, warm-season annual are good choices.

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