Frequently asked questions
■ Are California poppies related to corn poppies and breadseed poppies? Also, do I grow them in the same way?
YES, California poppies are related to corn poppies and breadseed poppies. The wider poppy family not only also includes California poppies (Eschscholzia) but also Himalayan blue poppies (Meconopsis) and bleeding hearts (Dicentra).
California poppies prefer all-day sunshine and a well-drained soil, and like some other poppies they thrive in gravel gardens. And, like corn poppies, softer more pastel shades have been developed alongside the fiery flowered wild type.
■ When is the best time to sow poppy seeds?
THERE are two options: autumn and spring.
Seeds sown in autumn develop attractive rosettes of foliage through the winter and then, in the spring and early summer, the flowers burst into bloom.
Autumn-sown plants make larger plants that come into flower earlier and last longer than spring-sown plants. Having said that, seeds sown in spring will also develop into impressive plants.
Sow the seed where you’d like the plants to flower as the plants do not always settle in well after being moved. Sow thinly in rows – the seed packet will provide guidance on spacing – then, when the seedlings emerge, remove some of the plants to give the others space in which to develop.
■ I grew just one poppy plant last year, but this year poppies are taking over the garden. What can I do? ANNUAL poppies, of all kinds, are famous for producing large quantities of seed. Not only does it pop up all over the garden producing masses of plants the following year, but also some of the seeds remain dormant for a year or two – or more.
But this can all be controlled by snipping off the seed pods before they shed their seed. Aim to cut off the seed pods as soon as the petals drop and you’ll have no seedlings at all. Few gardeners have the discipline to deadhead so regularly, but a serious attempt will dramatically reduce the number of poppy seedlings that will spring up around the garden.