Hey everyone! I'm super excited about growing poppies in my garden but I'm a total newbie when it comes to them. I'm looking for some straightforward options that thrive well in the UK climate. I've heard it's best to sow them directly in the ground and that I shouldn't expect flowers this year, but maybe next year. However, I'm really eager to see some blooms as soon as possible. Should I consider starting them in my little cold frame and then transplanting them instead? Anyone had success with this? I've also heard mixed advice about when to start; someone mentioned I should get going in mid-February, but online sources suggest waiting a bit longer. Any tips would be much appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
If you want to see flowers this year, I'd recommend going for California poppies. They should bloom if you get the seeds in the ground soon!
For an easier option, check out your local garden center for potted oriental poppies. They bloom this year and are perennial, so they'll come back every season. You could also try growing them from seed, but that will take longer. California poppies are also a good choice if you want something simple. Just keep an eye out for slugs, as they seem to love young opium poppies!
I can't speak to poppies specifically, but when I grew a wildflower mix that included them, all I did was prepare the soil, sprinkle the seeds, and cover them lightly with compost. That should work well from March onward, especially with varieties like Papaver rhoeas.
Good point about the slugs! I’ve had similar trouble with them munching on my seedlings, especially in the early stages.