Poppies are wild plants that always welcome us in spring.
The heat begins, the good weather and if you look, the fields begin to fill with these red flowers. In late spring and before summer, many fields are filled with red flowers.
There is one thing to keep in mind. While it is true that they grow wild, do not confuse it, with being a strong flower. We explain it. They are very delicate flowers. In the same way, they are not flowers that give joy to everyone. For example, farmers are not too happy to see how these flowers reproduce in their fields because they proliferate and end everything.
Nor is all that glitters gold… Unfortunately, its permanence once the flower is rather little.
It will depend on a little more or a little less, but generally, it does not usually last more than a couple of weeks. And be careful when cutting them, preparing bouquets or taking them by hand, because it is already known that they stain a lot. So much so, that it dyes the hand and clothes. And no, poppies don’t smell. They are very pretty and striking, but they have no aroma.
Instructions for planting poppies
- If you have a garden, a terrace, a balcony or an area where you want to show off some striking flowers and give them the sun, poppies can be a great alternative.
- It is not very common to know, but there are several types of poppies. Poppies are usually believed to be those little red flowers that come out in the fields. And yes, it’s true. But there are other varieties with other particularities.
- We can find oriental poppies or Californian poppies.
- The differences between the two: oriental poppies can measure up to one and a half meters high and can be found in the typical red tone and also in pink. California poppies grow even with a colder temperature and adapt more easily.
- When planting poppies at home using seeds, it is very important to know where they are going to be planted. Since it is not the same, in a large parterre, then doing it in a pot or in the garden.
- We tell you the big differences depending on where you want to plant it (do not forget if you want them to bloom and not rot or die).
- If you have decided to plant the poppies in the garden (either in the garden itself, in a large parterre, etc.), what you will need at least: soil, a fertilizer, sand and poppy seeds.
- As for fertilizer, it is not essential. But if you want to make sure that all the seeds will come out and put up with you, if it is recommended.
- Regarding the land, it is basic. You need soil to plant the seeds. In general, they do not need specific land. And sand is not essential. It is recommended because it helps to compact with the soil and seeds. But if you do not have it or want to buy them, it is not necessary.
At the time you decide to plant the poppy seeds you must have the earth moved. That is, move it so that it is not fully compacted. It needs to be aired. Next, there are two options (which will depend on whether you use sand or not). - If you decide to pour sand on it, then, on the layer of earth, throw a thin layer of sand. And then water the land a little. When they are wet, layer the poppy seeds. Now, pour a thin layer of sand back over the seeds, and water again. Eye, you just need it to be wet, not soaked. If it gets too wet, there is a risk of drowning.
- The other option (equally valid to plant poppies in your house), is the following: once the soil is moved, moisten it a little (not soaked). Throw it now, a layer with poppy seeds. Pour a little water on them again.
- An important fact is that the soil should always be moist. Not soaked, because it would be counterproductive and would end up not flowering the seeds and rotting.
- Now, if you prefer to wear the poppies in a pot and have them as ornamentation, you have to keep in mind that the type of pot you use is very important. Do not take it to foolishness, in fact, many times the problem that a plant dies, burns, does not grow or rots is precisely because of the material of the pot. The least recommended are those made of plastic. The reason? Being plastic, with the heat and the sun, the temperature warms up a lot and the earth and the plant burns. You have to be much more careful with irrigation. On the other hand, the most advisable are those that are made of clay. They preserve the temperature much better and do not burn the plant.
- Poppies need the sun. In fact, that’s why you see them so beautiful in fields where precisely, the sun gives them daily. If you have them in pots and the sun does not give them much, you should place them daily to catch a little sun so that they do not wither. If you have planted the seeds in a sunny area, you will have no problem seeing them beautiful.
- For you to see the poppies germinate (although it is not an exact science because many factors influence) it will usually take between a week and a month.
When you start to see the poppies bloom you also have to keep in mind that they do not usually last long… They are very fragile and delicate. - Be very careful with watering when you already have the poppies. If you pour water on the flowers, you will wither them and kill them. Its beautiful leaves will be very ugly and spoiled. So just wet the soil.
- If you want to cut the flowers you must do it very carefully. Above all, with its leaves. It’s beautiful and showy red flowers stain a lot and, in addition, if you stain your clothes, it is practically impossible, that the stain disappears.
- It is a pity that the flowers of poppies last so short. Since you will only see that they are flowering for a few weeks, little more. It’s not because you’re taking care of them badly or they’re missing any nutrients… Poppies are like that.
- A trick so that once you have the poppies, you do not have to buy more seeds, is to take advantage of the seeds of your own plant. Take them and sow them. Do the process as you did it the first time. This way you will always have poppies in your garden and you will not have to spend anything on buying seeds again.
What do you need to plant poppies?
- Poppy seeds.
- Land to be able to plant the seeds.
- A pot if you want to plant it in a pot. Preferably, it is made of a clay material.
- Sand. It is not essential, but it is advisable.
- Fertilizer. Although it is not essential, it is advisable.
- Water.
Tips for planting poppies
These beautiful flowers that begin to invade the fields in late spring with their reddish tones are an admiration for flower lovers, painters, photographers … But not so much, for many peasants and farmers who see how many of their plantations are spoiled precisely because of poppies.
In fact, it is a plant that pests quite easily. Therefore, even if you are trying to plant poppies in your garden, be careful that it does not explode at ease and start to plague the whole ground. Since as soon as you do, you can continue to do it for life.