Poppies come in all shapes, sizes, colours and form. They can be a subtle mix of pastel shades, or can be as bright as a perfect summers day. Poppies are an ideal flower to grow in your garden as they are easy to grow, there is hardly any after care, and they reseed themselves!
Did you know..... Poppy seeds are edbible, and can be harvested from grown plants and can be used in baking.
Step by step guide to growing your own poppies
How to prepare your site for planting poppies
Poppies prefer to be grown in well drained soil, in a sunny position. Dig over the ground and prepare a seed bed, adding well rotted compost if necessary.
When to plant poppy seeds
Poppies seeds are best planted outdoors between March and May, and also between August and September.
How to plant Poppy seeds
Poppy seeds are best sown directly into the ground in their flowering position. Sow seeds thinly in rows 20cm (8 inches) apart. Cover seeds lightly with a layer of fine soil. Firm the top soil gently and keep moist. Seedlings will appear in 2-3 weeks.
Routine care of Poppies
When the poppy seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out, leaving 6 inches between each plant. Keep them well watered, and weed free. Poppies offer a profusion of flowers from June through to September. To encourage prolonged flowering, take off any dead heads throughout the flowering season. Poppies that are sown during August and September will flower the following year, although they may need to be covered with cloches through the winter months to protect them from frosts.
Recommended varieties of Poppies
Shirley Single Mixed: A hardy annual that grows upto 60cm in height. Lovely shades of pinks and reds.
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Growing Poppies... 
