Care of Oriental Poppy

Overview

Oriental poppy is an herbaceous perennial plant valued for its large, attractive blossoms that appear in colors of red, orange, pink and white during the late spring and early summer. Plants go into dormancy after flowering, and the foliage yellows and dies back. Leaves return in late summer to early fall, followed by new flowers in early spring. Oriental poppies are easy to grow in the home garden and are hardy in zones 2 through 7.

Step 1

Plant Oriental poppies in early spring after all danger of frost has passed. Choose a planting location that receives full sun and has moist, well-drained soil. Oriental poppy plants may tolerate dappled shade during the summer months but perform best with full sun exposure.

Step 2

Place Oriental poppies in the ground so that the crown, or area where the roots meet the stem, is about 1-½ inches below the surface of the soil. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart to allow adequate air circulation and room for growth.

Step 3

Water Oriental poppy plants deeply just after planting and continue watering about once per week throughout the spring and early summer. Cease watering when the plants enter dormancy. Resume watering in late summer to fall when new growth begins.

Step 4

Feed Oriental poppy plants once per year in the fall, just after dormancy and when new leaves begin to appear, with a slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer's directions. Water thoroughly before and after feeding poppies to prevent root injury.

Step 5

Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch to the soil surrounding Oriental poppy plants in late fall before the first frost of winter. Use straw, grass clippings or shredded bark for the best results. Remove the mulch in early spring after all danger of frost is over.