HOW TO PLANT POPPY SEEDS

Poppy seeds need to be cold stratified to germinate. Learn how to cold stratify your seed below.

Papaver Rhoeas act as perennials in moderate climates, but they perform as annuals where freezing temperatures and snow occur in winter. These poppies germinate most successfully in cool to moderate temperatures and they are, in fact, frost tolerant. Poppies flower best under cool spring weather conditions. Bloom decreases on poppies as temperatures increase in summer months.

The seeds should not be planted deeply; they just need to be compressed into the soil, as they need light to germinate. The best method for planting is to mix one part seed with 5 parts sand and scatter over the prepared growing area 

If planting in rows, then plant the seeds 6” to 8” apart.