California Poppy Buttercream - Renee's Garden

PERENNIAL GROWN AS ANNUAL

Spring/Summer bloom
Can handle light frost

BEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seeds directly into a finely textured, well-drained garden bed in full sun as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, poppies can also be sown in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom. Except in very poor soil, these California poppies will grow and flower readily with no added fertilizer. Space seeds 2 or 3 inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep, and firm soil gently. Keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. Weed young seedlings carefully. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until seedlings are well established in spring. Final spacing should be 3-4 inches apart as plants need room to develop and bloom.

GROWING NOTES

When mature, poppy plants can handle dry conditions but they will always bloom longer if watered regularly. Poppies are pretty cut flowers if brought indoors just as buds begin to open. Prolong bloom by removing spent flowers. At season's end, allow spent flowers to form pods and drop their seed if you want poppies to self-sow.