With their delicate, papery blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors, poppies bring joy to any garden. And the good news is – yes, you can absolutely grow poppies successfully in Michigan!
Poppies thrive in the cool conditions of spring and early summer across most of the Midwest. But as a Michigan gardener timing is everything when it comes to getting the most out of these beautiful blooms.
Follow this complete guide to growing poppies in Michigan, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display:
Poppy Growing Conditions in Michigan
Poppies prefer consistently cool temperatures – think highs around 60-70°F This makes spring and early summer ideal growing times in Michigan’s climate
Once the weather heats up in mid-summer, pollen production drops and the blooms fade quickly. Hot, humid days above 80°F will send your poppies packing!
The takeaway: start poppies from seed or transplants in early spring, and you can enjoy waves of color into early summer before the heat hits.
Best Time to Plant Poppies in Michigan
-
Spring: Direct sow poppy seeds or plant seedlings in April-May, after the threat of frost but before temperatures climb too high. This gives them time to establish before summer.
-
Fall: Some gardeners sow seeds in fall for blooms the following spring.Protect new seedlings from harsh winter weather.
-
Summer: Avoid planting poppies in the heat of summer – they’ll likely bolt and fail to thrive.
Choosing the Best Poppy Varieties for Michigan
Make sure to select poppy varieties suited for cool climates:
-
Iceland Poppies: Best for cut flowers with long vase life. Need consistently cool temps below 70°F.
-
Shirley Poppies: Beautiful frilly blooms. Tolerate some heat.
-
Oriental Poppies: Showy flowers followed by seed pods. Go dormant in summer heat.
-
California Poppies: Lower maintenance. Will bloom longer into summer than other types.
Avoid warmer climate poppies like Spanish, Tulip, and Breadseed varieties. Stick with cool-season bloomers for best results in Michigan.
How to Plant Poppies in Michigan for Success
Sun: Poppies need full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: Quick-draining, sandy soil is ideal. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage.
Spacing: Plant seeds or seedlings 4-6 inches apart. Poppies don’t mind crowded conditions.
Depth: Barely cover the tiny seeds, no more than 1⁄4 inch deep. Don’t bury seedlings deeper than original soil level.
Care: Water when soil dries out. Avoid fertilizer which encourages foliage over flowers. No need to deadhead spent blooms.
Growing Poppies from Seed in Michigan
Growing poppies from seed is easy and rewarding! Follow these tips:
-
Sow seeds directly in prepared garden beds in early spring. Scatter and barely cover with soil.
-
For a head start, sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Use sterile seed starting mix and provide 16+ hours of light.
-
Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off. Handle gently and avoid disturbing the roots.
-
Keep soil moist until seedlings emerge, which takes 10-20 days. Thin crowded seedlings to proper spacing.
-
Mulch beds to retain moisture and keep roots cool once sprouted. Monitor water needs in hot, dry periods.
With proper sowing time in spring and a little attentive care, your poppies grown from seed will thrive and flower beautifully!
Caring for Poppies in the Michigan Summer Heat
The key poppy care tip for Michigan summers is to simply accept their fleeting nature! Poppies are cool weather lovers, so let them complete their life cycle as temps rise.
-
In mid-summer heat, poppy flowering will naturally decline and the plants will go dormant. This is normal – just leave them be and don’t stress over sparse blooms.
-
Avoid excessive fertilizer which pushes leaf growth over flowers. Likewise, don’t over-water during dormancy.
-
As hot summer transitions to cooler fall, your poppies may revive and flower again when temperatures drop back to their liking.
-
If plants decline severely, compost and replant in fall or next spring. Biennial poppies often behave best when replanted annually.
Enjoy the gorgeous blooms poppies provide in Michigan spring and early summer, then allow them a summer siesta once it heats up. Their ephemeral nature is part of their charm!
Harvesting and Enjoying Poppy Blooms
To maximize enjoyment of your poppy flowers:
-
For cut flowers, harvest blooms at the “cracked bud” stage just before they fully open. Sear the cut stem tips in boiling water or a flame.
-
Place in water immediately after harvest and move to a cool location. Poppy blooms don’t last long as cut flowers, but this extends vase life.
-
Allow some blooms to remain on plants for pollinators to enjoy. The bees will thank you!
-
If desired, save dried seed pods for use in crafts and arrangements after flowering concludes.
Top Poppy Variety Picks for Michigan Gardens
Ready to add gorgeous poppies to your own Michigan garden? Here are some stellar varieties to try:
Iceland Poppies
-
Champagne Bubbles: Frilly yellow double blooms
-
Wonderland: Vibrant red with white picotee edges
-
Nudicaule Mix: Striking bicolor blooms in red, orange, pink, white
Shirley Poppies
-
Mother of Pearl: Beautiful white blooms with heavily ruffled petals
-
Angel’s Choir: Pure white with a crimson cushion center
-
Patty’s Plum: Vivid fuchsia-purple flowers with white tips
California Poppies
-
Golden West: Bright golden yellow blooms with orange centers
-
Pink Chiffon: Abundant light pink flowers with delicately fringed petals
-
Cal Poppy Mix: Colors range from creamy white to golden orange
With the right variety selections timed for Michigan’s climate, a flourishing poppy patch can be yours. Bring on the spring and let the poppy planting begin!
Plant poppies the easy way + my first harvest of 2021
FAQ
Do poppy flowers grow in Michigan?
Do poppies come back every year?
Can I just throw poppy seeds on the ground?
Are poppies hard to grow?
When should you plant poppies?
Plant this wildflower variety’s seeds in fall or spring for a striking pop of color during the growing season. While you’ve likely tried planting tulips or hydrangeas in your garden for added interest, have you ever considered growing poppies? “Poppies are ancient symbols of peace and tranquility,” says Kelly Funk, the president of Park Seed.
Can opium poppy be grown in the United States?
In the United States, it is **legal to grow opium poppy plants** in your home garden.The opium poppy (*Papaver somniferum*) is the same plant used to produce opium and other narcotics.
Can poppies grow from seed?
Plant poppies from seed into poor to average soil in a sunny location for a good start to growing poppy flowers in your garden. Poppies grow from a taproot. When this taproot is disturbed in transplanting, a lost season of bloom may occur when planting poppies. Divide poppies in autumn to allow time for the taproot to restore itself.
How do you grow poppies from seed?
Plant seeds directly in the garden when the soil has warmed to around 65℉ – 75℉. Start poppies from seed by firmly putting a few seeds on the soil; do not cover with additional soil. Poppy seeds need light to germinate. Space plants 6” to 12” apart (depending on the variety) to maximize air circulation and reduce powdery mildew.
