Flanders Field poppy seeds produce the iconic red poppies, rich in symbolism and beauty.
Flanders Field is ideal for creating a bright splash of color in a sunny corner where little else will grow or in the wildflower garden where it self-seeds with ease. They have brilliant red, 5 cm (2") flowers, with satiny, shimmering petals. Large-scale plantings are a knock-out!
Poppy does not transplant well and seeds should be sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is passed. Soil temperature (not air temperature) should be warmer than 15°C (60°F) for seeds to germinate Planting at a lower temperature will delay germination. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Space seeds and plant to the depth indicated below. Press seeds into the soil to ensure good contact and cover with 3 mm (1/8") of soil. After planting, water the seeds with a gentle mist or shower. A hard spray can wash soil away, dislodge seeds and clump them together. It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy during germination. Do not let the soil dry out, as young plants have underdeveloped roots and can quickly dehydrate, particularly in windy conditions. When your seedlings reach a height of a few centimetres (inches) and have developed 2 or 3 pairs of leaves, it is important to thin them out, according to the plant spacing indicated below to provide good air circulation and room to grow.
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Planting Depth: 3 mm (1/8")
Seed Spacing: 1.3 cm (1/2")
Plant Spacing: 15 cm (6")
Instructions for Nutrient Care:
Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.
Suggestions
Growing Suggestions:
Poppies prefer well-draining soil that is kept moist, yet not overly wet. Poppies prefer the soil to dry out in between waterings. Water at the base of the plant, rather than overhead.
Poppy seeds can be sown using the scatter method. Simply roughen the soil with a rake, scatter seeds evenly over the surface, then smooth the soil over lightly to cover the seeds.
Regularly removing spent flowers, known as deadheading will promote continuous blooming and encourage the growth of fresh buds.
The Common Poppy does not require to be fertilized; however, if you do fertilize, ensure that it is low in nitrogen as this will encourage more foliage than flowers.