Growing Poppies Papaver Rhoeas

Growing Poppies in a natural atmosphere is, the first thing you can consider for your spring to autumn flower garden design.

We had once a red poppy plant in the year 2005. We found it difficult to manage as the blossoms were easily gone with the strong wind and the heavy rain. Since then, growing poppy plant became a challenge to me.


California poppies are delicate flowers that do not like to be transplanted. If you need some beautiful sparkling orange flowers in your garden, you may consider adding these slow germinating Eschscholzia Californica into your flower garden plans.


This year we found a different kind of Papaver Rhoeas seeds (Coquelicot in French) in one of the local small village flower seeds supplier. I did not realise that they were in a mix of multi-coloured flowers until I met them.

Wild Papaver Rhoeas is easier to manage. A moist and well drainage ground is all they need; they need no fertilisers.

 Greenhouse Growing Poppies

First you get some seeds (picture 1). Then you wait for the young plant to be formed. Afterwards; you can set your young poppies plants in an earth flower pot (picture 2) in early spring; and place them in your spray free fresh-air green house; if you have one.

What do Poppies Love

They love sandy loam soil.
They love cool and moist earth.
Poppy flowers love a sunny place in your garden.

When to Stake

If you are interested to grow them in containers; stake them when they are tall. In this way, they will grow strong and stand right up.


I discovered that, no matter how small is the flower pot, they will still produce the same size of flowers.

If you wish, you may sow more fresh seeds in the late spring (picture 5), the seeds will germinate faster than in early spring; as the the temperature is slightly higher.


When the young plants are strong enough to handle; you may transfer them to their individual flower pot (picture 6).


The first poppy plant started budding on the day 67 (picture 3) and flowering on the day 77 (picture 4). The flower only last for 2 days.

The red poppy (picture 9), white poppy (picture 7), pink poppy (picture 13) and shining orange (picture 8&10) poppy are charming, elegant, and glamorous. They are waiting for their handsome dance partners!


More buds will be shown by late summer (picture 15). A pink poppy bud was half opening in late summer (picture 12).

The poppy plant will bloom continuously from late Spring to late Autumn (below picture 17). They will help you to make the easy and long succession of beautiful flowers in your fall garden.


Poppies are not only for the wildflowers plugs or a wild flower garden, they definitely deserve a place in your flower borders.


Although some gardeners are worrying about their seed pods would be mulched in the soil without notice. However, it is in your total control.

When the temperature has gone higher, you can transfer all of them outdoor to gain their direct sunlight.


Poppy plant's average height is about 70 cm. Although under soft weather; the flower can only stay to maximum 3 days. However, you will not notice; as their rich flowers would follow almost immediate when one is drop.


Papaver Rhoeas can adapt easily to new environment. A trellis (above picture 14) will help them to stand stronger against the wind.

Growing Poppies to Receive Brilliant Blossoms

Mr. Wasp bee (picture 16) is the frequent visitor. He loves to stand close to the flower heart everyday. But when the strong wind blows, he will be found under the flower petals.


When the autumn began, all the poppy flower petals would be chilled by the iced cold wind and the non-stop heavy rain.


I removed their pots and moved them to the Southern border of our flower bed, next to our backyard goldfish pond. We had a great joy from all these amazing flowers.


Start growing poppies and enjoy the non-stop blooming, sweet and charming organic flowers!

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