Papaver (or Oriental Poppies) are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -20°C. This means you can plant them directly outside in pots or borders in spring or autumn. Always plant Papaver bare roots as soon as possible on arrival, ideally within a few days of delivery.
— Plant your oriental poppy bare roots directly into well-kept borders or into temporary pots in the spring so they can grow outside before being moved later in the season.
— Plant the roots so that they are completely submerged, with the crown or buds just below the surface and any top growth showing.
— Choose a position in borders or containers in full sun or partial shade. If planting in containers, you can use multipurpose or soil-based compost.
With their huge, papery blooms in electrifying colors, Oriental poppies are one of the showiest flowers for the spring garden. Getting these stunning plants established from bare roots takes a little care, but the reward of vibrant flowers makes it well worth the effort.
Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully plant and grow Oriental poppy roots for years of enjoyment:
When to Plant the Roots
Oriental poppies grow best when planted in fall or early spring when the ground is cool This allows the roots to establish before summer heat arrives
Fall planting is ideal in zones 3-8, from September through November. In warmer climates, aim for late November to December after the ground cools.
Early spring planting works well in zones 9-10 or from March to May in cooler areas.
Avoid planting Oriental poppy roots in summer when hot dry weather can stress new plantings.
Choosing a Site with Full Sun and Well-Drained Soil
Pick a location with these ideal conditions for Oriental poppies:
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Full sun: Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is especially important.
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Well-drained soil: Avoid heavy, boggy soil. Amend clay soils with compost or sand to improve drainage before planting.
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Air circulation: Space plants 2-3 feet apart so air can circulate freely to minimize disease.
Oriental poppies thrive in average garden conditions. Give them a head start by preparing the soil before planting.
Prepping the Planting Bed for Success
Good soil prep paves the way for healthy roots and vigorous plants:
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Loosen soil to 12-18 inches deep using a shovel, fork or tiller. Break up compacted layers.
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Mix in 2-4 inches of aged compost or well-rotted manure. This improves fertility and drainage.
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Level the bed and rake smooth. Remove any rocks, debris or large clumps.
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If desired, work in a balanced granular fertilizer like 10-10-10 before planting.
Nice loose, fertile soil gives Oriental poppy roots the best start. Requiring little care, they will thrive for years to come.
How to Plant Bareroot Oriental Poppies
Here’s how to carefully place Oriental poppy roots in the ground:
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Dig a hole 12-15 inches deep and about 12 inches wide. Oriental poppy roots are long and need adequate depth.
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Carefully place the root crown at soil level, about 1-2 inches deep. Don’t bury too deeply.
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Arrange roots evenly in the hole, spreading them outward. They often appear twisted; don’t worry about straightening.
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Backfill soil around the roots, tamping down gently to stabilize. Leave no air pockets.
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Water thoroughly until soil is moist but not soggy. Let excess water drain away.
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Add a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like wood chips or shredded leaves around plants to conserve moisture and discourage weeds as growth resumes in spring.
Caring for Oriental Poppies After Planting
Once your Oriental poppies are nestled into the ground, just a bit of care will keep them growing strong:
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Water when the soil dries out, especially in spring and summer, until plants are established. Slow deep watering is best.
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Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost to support bloom and growth.
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Remove spent flower stems after blooming finishes to encourage more buds. Leave some for self-seeding new plants.
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Cut back foliage to the ground in fall once it dies back for winter dormancy.
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Protect roots with a winter mulch after the ground freezes in cold climates. Avoid mulching too early.
Enjoy Bright, Vibrant Flowers in Late Spring
Planted properly in the right spot, Oriental poppy roots will burst into growth once cooler temperatures arrive in spring. Huge fuzzy buds will emerge, soon opening into enormous, satiny flowers in fiery shades of red, pink, white and orange.
Place these poppies where you’ll pass by them daily to enjoy the brief but spectacular show. The early season color is a welcome sight after a long winter.
With minimal care, Oriental poppies are long-lived, hardy perennials. Follow these tips for planting and growing poppy roots, and you’ll be rewarded with their dazzling spring blossoms for years to come.
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Papaver (or Oriental Poppies) are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -20°C. This means you can plant them directly outside in pots or borders in spring or autumn. Always plant Papaver bare roots as soon as possible on arrival, ideally within a few days of delivery.
— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting out.
— Plant your oriental poppy bare roots directly into well-kept borders or into temporary pots in the spring so they can grow outside before being moved later in the season.
— Plant the roots so that they are completely submerged, with the crown or buds just below the surface and any top growth showing.
— Choose a position in borders or containers in full sun or partial shade. If planting in containers, you can use multipurpose or soil-based compost.
— Space the plants 20-30cm apart
— Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth
— Remove stems after flowering, leaving the foliage at the base intact.
— Read further general instructions about planting bare-root perennials
Planting Bare Root Oriental Poppies in The Fall
FAQ
When to plant Oriental poppy bare root?
Do Oriental poppies transplant well?
Can Oriental poppies be grown in pots?
What is the root system of Oriental poppy?
How to grow oriental poppy plants?
Keep in mind the sunlight, soil type/quality, and where you’re planting them. Sowing oriental poppy from seed tends to be the standard way of growing new poppy plants. To do this, you simply need to rake the soil, add compost and any additional soil types, then scatter the seeds. You can cover them with a slight layer of dirt and water!
How do you grow oriental poppy seeds?
You can harvest the seeds of your oriental poppy blooms in mid to late summer. Snip the stems of your poppies a couple of inches below the seed capsule and shake the seeds into a paper bag (they will be tiny). Store the bag in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them in early spring.
How do you grow a poppy plant bare-root?
Follow all directions that come with your bare-root plant. Seeds: Poppy seeds can be scattered directly on the surface of the soil in spring or early fall, where they will receive the sunlight they need to germinate. Once the seeds sprout in a couple of weeks, thin seedlings to about 6” apart.
How do you propagate Oriental Poppies?
Apply mulch around Oriental poppies for the first couple of years for winter protection. Most varieties are clump-forming. It’s best to propagate them by seed rather than by transplanting, because the plant forms a deep taproot that dislikes disturbance. Some growers stake the plants, especially in areas subject to high winds.