Red Poppies are vibrant flowers that can be grown as an annual or a perennial. This showy flower looks wonderful when grown in masses with other wildflowers in an open field or large garden area where you can enjoy watching butterflies.
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| Red Poppy flower/image by Pixabay |
A few years ago I bought wildflower seed that was formulated with partial shade flowers. To my surprise, the red poppy was mixed in with this seed.
I planted the seed in early spring (end of March) as it was in the time period recommended on the seed packet. (March-May) The seeds were sowed on turned-over soil that was amended with organic matter. I did not cover the seed with soil. I watered the seed after planting them daily until the flowers were established in the garden. Then I watched to make sure the flowers did not dry out and watered the flower garden as needed. Be careful to not overwater as this flower does not grow well in soggy soil.
When fully grown your poppy will form a clump and the flowers will be 12 to 14 inches in height.
My poppies bloomed in June and continued to provide my garden with color for four weeks. If you reside in an area that has deer know that they will leave this flower alone.
The poppy flower is beautiful when grown in masses or in a small garden. This flower does attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and honey bees. So you will want to plant and grow where you can enjoy viewing the flowers and the wildlife.
Note
- Poppy flowers do not last long when they are cut for a floral arrangement or in a vase. On average they will last for the day but no more than 8 hours. You can try a fresh cut on the stem and fresh water and they may last a little longer.
- Fertilize poppies in the spring. Use an organic fertilizer that is applied to the soil around your plants.
- You can cut back the poppy flower when it dies off or you can wait for the seed pod.
