Orientale Poppy
$4.49
Papaver Orientale
- Seed Count 350
- Huge Billowing Flowers
- Perennial
- Height 90 cm
In stock
Description
In early summer nothing compares to the grace of the Orientale Poppy with its immense 15 to 20cm blooms of salmon, orange and scarlet red with intricately decorated hearts.
They have low growing foliage and an abundance of tall stems. They are fanciful from bud to bloom and even the seed pods are something to cherish.
A good border plant, as well as an eye catching cut flower, this vigorous perennial poppy grows to about 75cm in height.
Very long-lived and virtually care-free, these undemanding plants provide a real spectacle year after year.
Oriental Poppies are prodigious bloomers. One-year old plants will send up at least three blooming stalks. Older plants produce a dozen or more over a 30 day period.
To achieve such immense blooms and intense hues, one would assume that poppies require exact growing conditions. Nothing could be less true.
They are happy in most sites and soils though will flower be at their best in full sun in well drained soil.
They can go dormant in summer to avoid the heat, coming back in the cool of autumn. They have no issue with frost.
Grow in full sun to light shade, they need six or so hours to flower well. Keep moist in active growth for best blooms.
Once established, the bold Orientale poppies grow and prolifically self seed for decades.
Bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects love these blooms too.
| Method: Sow direct or seedlings | Soil Temp: 10°C - 25°C |
| Cool Mountain: Nov - Dec | Position: Full Sun |
| Arid: Aug - Jan | Row Spacing: 30 cm |
| Temperate: Sep-Nov, Mar-Jun | Planting Depth: 3 mm |
| Sub Tropical: May - Oct | Harvest: 140 Days |
| Tropical: Jun - Aug | Plant Height: 60cm |
Soil and Location
Soil:
- Poppies prefer well drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6.07.0.
Location:
- Full sun is crucial; poppies thrive in areas that receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Growing from Seed
Cold Stratification:
- Some poppy seeds benefit from cold stratification, which mimics winter conditions.
- Read the article on cold stratification here.
Direct Sowing:
- Prepare a well-drained seedbed by loosening the soil and removing weeds.
- Sow seeds on the surface as they need light to germinate.
- No need to cover the seeds; just press them down lightly.
Growing in Trays:
- Fill seed trays with seed raising mix, water it, and then sprinkle seeds on the surface.
- Lightly press the seeds and mist with water.
- Keep in a warm, sunny spot and maintain moisture until germination, typically 7 – 14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings:
- Once seedlings develop a few true leaves and are about 5 – 7 cm tall, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
- Transplant to a prepared garden bed or larger pots, spacing them 20 – 30 cm apart.
Watering and Care
- Keep the soil consistently moist until established; then reduce watering.
- Avoid waterlogging, as poppy roots are sensitive to excessive moisture.
- Fertilise lightly with a balanced fertilizer when seedlings are established.
Companion Planting
Poppies can benefit from being planted alongside certain plants.
Good companion plants include:
- Nasturtiums: Deter pests and attract pollinators.
- Marigolds: Help repel nematodes and other pests.
- Coriander: Can attract beneficial insects.
- Basil: Improves the growth and flavour of nearby plants.
Consider avoiding strong-smelling plants and those that compete for nutrients, such as garlic and onions.
Pest and Disease Management
- Monitor for pests like aphids and slugs.
- Using natural predators can help manage these populations.
- Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting Seeds
- Allow the pods to dry on plants until they turn brown and brittle.
- Collect seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for future planting.
Postage Charge
Orders under $30 attract a $4.50 shipping charge. Orders $30 and above have free shipping.
Order Times
Seed orders are normally dispatched within three business days. You will receive an email when seeds are mailed out.
Postage Days
Seeds are mailed out Monday to Friday at 1pm. Except for the Friday of long weekends.
Postage Times
WA 2-3 Days: SA,NT 3-5 Days: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC: 5-7 Days
Carrier
We use Australia Post Letter Postage for the majority of orders
Not only are our seeds packed in recycled paper envelopes, we keep the theme going when we post out website orders. To protect your seeds from moisture and the letter box munchers (snails), we use a very special plastic free material made from plants. They are then put into recycled mailing envelopes. Green all the way 💚🌿
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