Papaver (or Oriental Poppies) are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -20°C. This means you can plant them directly outside in pots or borders in spring or autumn. Always plant Papaver bare roots as soon as possible on arrival, ideally within a few days of delivery.
— Plant your oriental poppy bare roots directly into maintained borders or into temporary pots in spring to grow-on outdoors for transplanting later in the season.
— Plant the roots so that they are fully submerged with the crown or buds just below the surface and any top growth exposed.
— Choose a position in borders or containers in full sun or partial shade. If planting in containers, you can use multipurpose or soil-based compost.
Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) are hardy perennials that produce gorgeous, papery flowers in late spring and early summer. Their big, crepe-like blooms come in shades of red, orange, pink, white and purple. Oriental poppies make a big impact with their showy flowers, but also have attractive, deeply cut foliage.
These poppies grow from a taproot, which makes them a little tricky to transplant. However, you can successfully plant and grow oriental poppy roots with some care and attention. Follow this step-by-step planting guide to help your poppy roots establish quickly and flower beautifully year after year.
When to Plant Oriental Poppy Roots
Spring and fall are the best times for planting bare root oriental poppy roots
Spring planting is ideal in zones 3-8, from March to May. This allows the roots to develop before summer heat arrives.
Fall planting works well in zones 3-8 from September through November. Plant after temperatures cool down to reduce stress.
Avoid summer planting which can be hard on newly installed roots. Get oriental poppy roots in the ground as soon as possible after receiving them.
Choosing the Right Planting Site
Pick a location with these ideal conditions for your oriental poppies
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Full sun Select a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily Morning sun is especially beneficial.
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Well-drained soil: Avoid soggy, boggy sites. Amend heavy clay soils before planting.
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Air circulation: Allow 2-3 feet between plants for good air movement to prevent diseases.
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Neutral soil pH: Oriental poppies grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0.
Oriental poppies can tolerate most soil types if drainage is adequate. Improve soil before planting by mixing in 2-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This provides nutrients for strong growth.
How to Prepare the Planting Bed
Take time to prep the planting area for success:
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Loosen soil 8-12 inches deep with a shovel or tiller. Break up any compacted layers.
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Mix 2-4 inches of compost into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
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Rake area smooth and remove rocks, debris and weeds.
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Consider working some balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 into the soil.
Well-prepared, enriched soil gives your poppy roots the best start. Proper soil prep now means years of healthy plants and flowers.
Step-By-Step Oriental Poppy Root Planting
Here’s how to carefully place roots in the planting bed:
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Dig a hole 12-15 inches deep and 12 inches across. Oriental poppy roots need adequate depth.
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Set the root crown 1-2 inches below soil level. Don’t bury too deeply.
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Spread roots out evenly in the hole. They often look twisted but don’t straighten.
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Backfill soil around roots, firming it down gently to stabilize. Leave no air pockets.
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Water thoroughly until soil is moist but not saturated. Allow excess water to drain away.
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Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch like shredded leaves around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Stake taller varieties if needed for support in windy areas.
Proper planting depth and care establishes roots for long-lasting flowers.
Caring for Oriental Poppies After Planting
Follow good care and maintenance practices:
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Water plants during spring dry spells until well established. About 1 inch of water per week is sufficient.
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 or compost to support growth.
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Remove spent flower stems after blooming finishes to encourage more buds.
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Cut back foliage to the ground after it dies down for winter dormancy.
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Put down 2-3 inches of mulch around plants after the ground freezes to protect roots in cold climates.
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Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in fall to promote vigor.
Good care ensures your oriental poppies thrive for up to 50 years or longer!
Enjoy Gorgeous Flowers in Late Spring
Planted properly in the right spot, oriental poppy roots will grow quickly when cool spring weather arrives. Fat flower buds will emerge, soon opening into huge, satiny blooms.
Site these poppies where you’ll see them daily to enjoy the incredible floral display. The vibrant spring color is a real treat after a long winter.
With a little care, oriental poppies are long-lived, hardy perennials. Follow this planting guide for success with poppy roots. You’ll be rewarded with their dazzling blooms year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Oriental Poppy Roots
Here are answers to some common questions about growing oriental poppies from roots:
What is the best time to plant oriental poppy roots?
The best times are early spring or fall. Oriental poppies need a period of cool temperatures to establish roots before flowering.
How deep should I plant the roots?
Plant oriental poppy roots 6-8 inches deep, with the top of the root crown 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Do oriental poppies need full sun?
Yes, oriental poppies grow best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is especially beneficial.
How far apart should I space oriental poppy plants?
Space oriental poppy roots 12-18 inches apart to allow for growth and good air circulation.
How often should I water newly planted roots?
Water oriental poppy roots weekly if rain is lacking. About 1 inch of water per week is sufficient.
When will the poppy roots bloom?
If planted in fall, oriental poppies will bloom the following late spring or early summer. Spring planted roots may not bloom until the second year. But once established, they flower reliably each year.
With the right planting techniques, oriental poppy roots will thrive and flower beautifully to brighten up your late spring garden with their magical blossoms.
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Papaver (or Oriental Poppies) are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -20°C. This means you can plant them directly outside in pots or borders in spring or autumn. Always plant Papaver bare roots as soon as possible on arrival, ideally within a few days of delivery.
— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting out.
— Plant your oriental poppy bare roots directly into maintained borders or into temporary pots in spring to grow-on outdoors for transplanting later in the season.
— Plant the roots so that they are fully submerged with the crown or buds just below the surface and any top growth exposed.
— Choose a position in borders or containers in full sun or partial shade. If planting in containers, you can use multipurpose or soil-based compost.
— Space the plants 20-30cm apart
— Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth
— Remove stems after flowering, leaving the foliage at the base intact.
— Read further general instructions about planting bare-root perennials
Where to Plant Papaver Roots
Site poppies in full sun. They do well in all types of well-draining soils. Be certain to avoid spots in your landscape that stay wet or puddle after a rain. Adequate drainage is key to ensure that the bulbs won’t rot in the ground. Adding 2 to 3 inches of compost, loam or sphagnum peat will help to promote good drainage.