How to Winterize Oriental Poppy

Overview

Oriental poppies are not only a beautiful perennial to add to your garden, but they are also very easy to take care of. These hardy flowers have a lovely bloom, with thin paper like petals, but even after the flowers have gone, they will provide interest in the form of the seedpods. Hardy from zones 2 to 9, oriental poppies will grow just about anywhere in the U.S. which means they have to be properly prepared for winter as well. However, winterizing oriental poppies is just as easy as growing them.

Step 1

Cut back the water you give your oriental poppies while they are dormant in the summer. Water only once every two weeks to once a month. When new growth appears in the fall, continue to water in this manner.

Step 2

Leave all new growth on the oriental poppy. Cut off any dried stems if you desire.

Step 3

Fertilize the ground around the oriental poppies in the fall. Add a layer of compost or manure and work it into the ground.

Step 4

Apply a 4-inch layer of mulch to the oriental poppies once the ground has frozen.

Step 5

Avoid watering your oriental poppies until the ground has thawed.