How to Propagate Oriental Poppies for Stunning Perennial Blooms

With their lush, frilly flowers in blazing shades of red, pink, orange and white, oriental poppies bring jaw-dropping color to gardens. Getting these perennials to multiply can take patience, as they dislike being divided or transplanted. Luckily, propagating oriental poppies from root cuttings is an easy, effective way to get more of these hardy bloomers.

In this article, we’ll look at how and when to take oriental poppy root cuttings along with steps for rooting and growing them into new plants. Read on for tips to propagate these spectacular perennials for endless blooms.

When to Take Oriental Poppy Root Cuttings

Oriental poppies set out a long taproot that dislikes being disturbed They resent transplanting or dividing and often sulk or fail to thrive after these procedures Luckily, their robust taproots easily generate new plants.

Early fall is the ideal time to collect root cuttings after the plant finishes blooming but before it goes dormant for winter. Rooting may take longer if cut in spring using dormant roots.

Choose a healthy parent plant that has finished flowering. Plants stressed by drought, pests or disease won’t have vigorous root growth to provide good cuttings.

How to Prepare Root Cuttings

Before taking your oriental poppy root cuttings gather these supplies

• Sharp, clean pruners or knife
• Plastic bags or trays
• Sterilized pruning shears
• Seed trays with drainage holes
• Propagation media like perlite, vermiculite, or peat-free potting soil
• Clear plastic dome or plastic wrap

Then follow these steps to take cuttings

1. Water the soil around parent plants the day before so digging is easier.

2. Loosen soil around roots using a shovel, fork or hands. Don’t yank or handle roots roughly.

3. Select pencil-thick roots free of disease or damage. The smoother and younger, the better.

4. Cut each root into 2-3 inch segments using sterile pruners.

5. Lay cuttings in a single layer in trays to transport. Avoid letting cuttings dry out.

How to Root and Grow Oriental Poppy Cuttings

After collecting your root cuttings, follow these steps to root them:

1. Trim any ragged root ends so each cutting has a clean top and bottom.

2. Dip cut ends in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth if desired. Knock off excess powder.

3. Plant upright in sterile media like perlite or seed starting mix, burying 2/3 of each cutting.

4. Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. Never let cuttings dry out.

5. Cover trays with a plastic dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture.

6. Provide bright light like a south-facing window out of direct sun.

7. Maintain warm temperatures around 70°F for fastest rooting.

8. Check often and remoisten soil when the surface gets dry. Don’t oversaturate.

9. Watch for new shoots emerging in 4-8 weeks as roots form. Let cuttings root thoroughly before exposing them to lower humidity.

10. Pot up individually once well rooted. Grow on indoors until spring then harden off and transplant outside.

With the right care, 70-90% of oriental poppy root cuttings should root within 2 months. Well-rooted new plants will establish faster when transplanted.

Tips for Growing New Plants

Here are some useful tips for getting your new propagations off to a vigorous start:

• Avoid transplant shock by hardening off seedlings for 7-10 days before planting outside permanently.

• Prepare planting beds for new poppies well, amending soil with compost to improve drainage.

• Water new plants consistently until established. Avoid wet feet.

• Use root stimulator solution the first 4-6 weeks after transplanting new plants.

• Stake taller varieties if needed until roots anchor firmly.

• Deadhead spent blooms but avoid cutting back foliage until it dies down naturally.

• Hold off on fertilizing the first year until new roots establish. Go easy on feeding mature plants.

In their first year, new oriental poppy plants from cuttings will just produce foliage as they focus energy on root growth. Flowering begins the second year. Patience pays off with many years of stunning blooms!

Troubleshooting Propagation Problems

Take note if any issues arise while rooting your cuttings:

• Rotting stems mean too much moisture. Allow more air circulation and cut back on watering.

• Failure to root may indicate old, damaged roots. Select younger, smoother roots as cuttings.

• Drooping leaves or loss of color is often from inadequate light. Move to a brighter location.

• Leggy, stretched growth means not enough light. Provide supplemental lighting.

• Poor transplant growth or failure to thrive can be from transplant shock. Harden off and acclimate seedlings before planting in garden.

Enjoying the Rewards of Propagation

Expanding your oriental poppy collection via root cuttings is extremely rewarding. In just a season or two, you can turn a few cut root segments into a drift of carefree perennial blooms.

Propagating your own plants is also economical compared to purchasing new poppies. Share the offspring of your favorite varieties with gardening friends and family.