Pizzicato Poppy
Papaver orientale. A semi-dwarf mixture of red, scarlet, orange, salmon, mauve, rose, pink and white blooms with black centers. 3-4” flowers are held on strong 24” tall stems which withstand strong winds. Since poppies do not like their roots disturbed direct seeding is best, and if starting inside, they must be kept in the dark to germinate. Start in peat pots and be careful when transplanting. Approx. 10 pelleted seeds/pkg.
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Details
Growing Information
Planting:
Starting Indoors: Use pots that are more tall than wide as taproots do not like being disturbed or having confined space for root growth. Start sowing seeds inside 6 weeks before last frost. Do not use bottom heat. If in a drafty area, use a dome until germination occurs. Keep soil evenly moist until germination occurs, do not let soil dry out. Once germination occurs, let soil dry slightly between waterings. Keep temperature around 15-18°c for best growth.
Direct Sow: Direct sow 2 week before last frost. Remove any weeds or other plant growth from area. Lightly cultivate to loosen soil. broadcast seeds to evenly cover area. Lightly rake to make good seed to soil contact. Water thoroughly but not to the point of run off. Keep soil evenly moist, do not let it dry hard, until seeds germinate and then let soil dry between waterings. Thinning of plants may be needed if crowded.
Growing:
Space plants 10-12" apart. Fertilize twice with a balanced granular fertilizer for perennials during the growing season. Once in spring when actively growing, and again after flower. Let flowers go to seed to keep area naturalized.