Do you need seed starter soil?

Do you need seed starter soil?

Not everyone needs seed starting mixes, some gardeners do very well starting their seeds in potting soil or a rich garden soil. This often saves the work and stress of transplanting, but if you need a sterile soil because of mold or fungi pressures, then seed starting mixes will really help.

Is it too late to plant poppy seeds?

Poppies are best when they are grown from seed that is planted in fall or winter, even in cold winter areas. The seeds need to go through the natural freeze and thaw cycles to germinate and that is accomplished by fall sowing. They can also be sown in early spring, about a month before your last frost date.

Do poppies need a lot of sun?

Be sure to choose an area of your garden that gets excellent drainage and at least six hours of full sun as poppies require both. They won’t survive where the ground stays soggy. If you’ve never sown annual poppy seeds before, they’re really easy to grow, if you get them planted early enough.

How often should you water poppy seeds?

Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry.

How long do Poppies take to grow indoors?

They should receive full to sun to partial shade, but they should not be exposed to sweltering heat. A general purpose fertilizer can be applied once each month to accelerate growth up to a height of 1 to 2 feet. Depending on the variety, poppies will bloom in early to mid summer, or 65 to 90 days from planting.

Should I freeze poppy seeds before planting?

The seeds can be kept in your freezer this way for several days by experience, but possibly a lot longer. Once you are ready to sow your ice cubes, you can simply sit the cubes in a row on top of the soil in the pot. That’s it. The frozen water will not hurt the poppies at all.

What is the best time of year to plant poppy seeds?

spring

Are poppies easy to grow?

Poppies are easy to grow and the self-sow with abandon, without becoming weedy. Simply pull up unwanted plants (an easy task) before they bloom, or better yet, let them tell you where they want to grow. They will thrive for years at a time in surprising spots, like a crack in the driveway.

What kind of soil do poppies like?

Poppies love plenty of sun and well-drained soil, are drought-tolerant and deer- and rabbit-resistant. They adapt to most climates and many soil types, including sandy and heavy clay. Poppies do not like shade, heavy soils or locations with too much water retention.

How do you prepare soil for poppies?

You can create a favorable soil blend for poppy flowers in a pot by amending regular potting soil with some compost. Fill the container to 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm.) from the top with the humus-rich potting soil. Sow poppy seeds directly on top of the soil.