Poppy, Harvest Moon

Poppy plants are shipped as dormant bare-roots and for best results, it is important that they be planted promptly upon arrival. If you are not able to plant the root(s) upon arrival, keep them in the bag and store in a cool 1°C (34°F), dry, dark location for a day or two. If the roots and medium in the bag are dry, mist them with water to moisten.

• It is a good idea to soak the root(s) for 30 to 60 minutes before planting. Soaking will hydrate the plants and reduces the stress associated with the drying of soil around the roots after planting.
• Poppy plants should be planted after the last frost in a well-draining, organic rich soil in full sun. They bloom best in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun each day.
• Prior to planting, soil can be amended with compost or well-rotted mature to improve fertility and drainage. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30 cm (12") before planting. After loosening the soil, this is a good time to mix in 5-10 cm (2-4") of well-rotted manure, or compost.
• Dig a hole several inches wider and deeper than the roots. Create a mound of soil in the bottom of the hole. Position the bare-roots on top of the mound and spread the roots out and around the mound of soil. Carefully backfill the hole so there is 8 cm (3") of soil over the crown. The crown is where the roots come together and meet the stem. Lightly tamp the soil over the newly planted root to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Space plants 45-60 cm (18-24") apart. As soon as you see green shoots breaking through the ground this means the roots have broken dormancy.
• Poppy plants are perennials and will over winter. In the Fall, after a hard frost, if there are leaves, they can be cut down to about 5 cm (2") above the base of the plant.
• Water needs: Generally plants require 2.5 cm (1") of water per week to be healthy. This can come from rain or self-watering. Deep and less frequent watering is best to promote long roots. More frequent watering may be required in drought-like conditions. Do not water every day. Newly planted perennials need to be encouraged to send out new roots and they will do that in search of moisture.

**Not ready to plant? If you are not able to plant the root(s) for more than a day or two, remove the root(s) and plant in a container with moistened potting mix and place in a cool (not freezing), dark location. Storing the roots for an extended period of time can reduce their viability.

• You may choose to leave the flowers on the plant for the interesting seed pods that follow.
• During extended wet weather, poppy buds may blacken and fail to open.
• Poppy plants may fail if they are planted too shallow or if the soil has been too wet.
• Do not be alarmed when the bristly leaves turn brown in early summer and disappear entirely, they may reappear in early fall but it will not rebloom.
• If you did not cut down leaves in fall, remove dead/dry foliage in early Spring before it produces new growth for the season.
• Poppies are toxic to people, dogs and cats.