JULESBURG, Colo. — Oriental poppies and any among the 100 other species of poppies are better planted from seed.  Why? They do not like their roots disturbed. If you do decide to purchase them from a container, be extremely careful not to disturb any of the roots. I would suggest digging the hole to accommodate the roots first, then cut the pot away and place them gently in the hole.

Even if you do purchase poppies in containers, you must wait 2-3 or even 4 years before they flower. But that depends on the size of the pot you purchased. If it is a two-inch small transplant, then expect to wait 3-4 years before they flower.

The best time to plant poppy seeds is in the fall. Plant them late in the fall. Don’t allow them to germinate. They need good moisture to germinate. Hopefully, winter and spring will provide the continual moisture to give your poppy seeds between an 80% to 100% of a germination rate out of the seeds you planted. Once they start growing in the spring, give the plants water every couple of days. Once the plants are established, they are drought tolerant. These will last a long time and self-sow.

Plant your poppy seeds in a bed that get full sun. And know that your poppy plants do not need fertilization.

According to High Country Garden, oriental poppies are a complex hybridization of three different species, all native to western Asia (the southern Caucasus Mountains, northeastern Turkey, and the high mountains of Iran). Oriental poppies love Colorado’s cold weather. They will do well in zones 3-7.

Depending upon the weather conditions, you may have poppies blooming around Memorial Day.  If not, then later in June or even before Memorial Day if it turns warmer sooner.

–Linda Langelo, CSU, Golden Plains Area Extension