How To Grow Poppies Indoors

By Nouman F

Growing poppies indoors is a delightful way to bring beautiful and vibrant flowers into your home. With their various colors, including red, pink, white, and purple, poppies are easy to grow and a great flower to add to any indoor garden. This article will discuss the different types of poppy plants that are ideal for indoor gardening and how to ensure they grow successfully.

How To Grow Poppies Indoors Using Simple Steps

Growing poppies indoors can transform your space with vibrant blooms and captivating colors. To start, select the right poppy variety, such as Papaver somniferum for its showy flowers or the compact Papaver rhoeas for container gardening. Use a well-draining soil mix and a wide, shallow container to prevent water accumulation and support healthy root growth. Place the container in a sunny spot, ensuring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, or use grow lights to simulate these conditions. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and enjoy the elegance and beauty these stunning flowers bring to your home.

Types of Poppies to Grow Indoors

Papaver somniferum

  • Widespread variety
  • Grown for its seeds, used to make poppy seed oil and other food products
  • Beautiful plant with large, showy flowers in various colors: white, pink, red, purple
  • Excellent choice for adding elegance to indoor spaces

Papaver rhoeas (Corn Poppy)

  • Popular ornamental plant
  • Often grown in gardens, adapts well to indoor gardening
  • Compact size, thrives in containers
  • Bright red flowers with black centers, adds vibrant color to any room

Sprouted Poppies

  • Acquire poppy sprouts from a garden center or online
  • Transplant into a container with well-draining soil
  • Ideal for bypassing the seed-starting process

Oriental Poppy

  • Stunning variety with large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, and purple
  • More challenging to grow indoors, but worth the effort for their beautiful flowers

With a little care and the right conditions, these flowering herb plants can brighten up your home with their captivating blooms.

Growing Poppies Indoors

  1. Choose a container that is shallow and wide with proper drainage holes. This will help accommodate the roots and prevent water from accumulating.
  2. Use a well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter. Add perlite or vermiculite to further improve drainage.
  3. Sow the seeds according to the instructions on the seed packet. For Papaver somniferum, sow thinly and cover with a thin layer of soil. For Papaver rhoeas, plant them more densely with a thicker soil layer.
  4. Water the seeds gently to keep the soil moistened, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
  5. Place the container in a location that receives direct sunlight daily, or use grow lights if necessary. Keep the soil regularly moist but not soggy or dry.
  6. For perennial species, there is some debate about growing them indoors due to their need for a full cycle of dormancy and natural seasons. However, starting them indoors can still be successful.
  7. Use small peat pots for sprouting to enhance viability and germination, which usually takes about 20 days.
  8. Growing poppies indoors can be a challenge because they are hearty, drought-resistant plants that prefer full sun and cool temperatures. Regulating these conditions can be difficult indoors, but it is easier to sprout them outdoors and then bring them inside once they’ve achieved vegetative growth.
  9. Place them on a window sill with a southern exposure to provide the natural sunlight they need to thrive. This method is often recommended when you want to grow herbs indoors.
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Sun and Drainage Factors

Growing poppies indoors can be a rewarding experience if you understand their specific needs. Poppies require certain conditions to thrive. Firstly, ensure they get enough sunlight. Poppies need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well. So, find a location in your home that receives plenty of sun. Additionally, proper drainage is crucial.

Use a well-draining soil mix when planting your poppies to prevent water from accumulating. These steps are essential for poppies to flourish indoors, ensuring they get both the light and soil conditions they need.

Starting Poppy Seeds Indoors

To start growing poppies indoors, you need to begin with the right conditions. Poppy seeds need cool temperatures and light to germinate. Unlike other plants, there’s no need for a heat mat. Instead, surface-sow the seeds in trays filled with moist seed-starting soil mix.

Sprinkle a couple of seeds in each cell, pressing them gently into the soil’s surface. Make sure to bottom water or mist the soil to keep it evenly moist. A fine sprinkling of vermiculite can help retain moisture without blocking light.

Once the seeds have sprouted, usually more than 50 percent, thin them to one seedling per cell. Move the trays under a grow light to monitor their development. Watering with a diluted seaweed solution every few weeks provides a helpful boost to the young seedlings.

When the starts have two to three sets of true leaves, they are ready to be gradually introduced to the outdoors through a process known as “hardening off”. This involves moving the trays outdoors for a few hours each day, starting in the shade and increasing sun exposure gradually over the week until the seedlings are robust enough.

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For transplanting, the best time is autumn or early spring. Check your seed packet to determine how many weeks in advance you need to sow the seeds indoors. For example, if you plan to transplant in early March, you should start your poppies around the beginning of January.

Of the many varieties, Iceland and Shirley poppies are particularly well-suited for indoor starting and later transplanting. This approach is similar to how you would grow zucchini indoors, ensuring a controlled environment for successful germination and growth.

Growing Poppies Indoors Under Lights

Growing poppies indoors can be both rewarding and practical, especially if you live in a region with harsh winters. To start, you’ll need a good quality grow light to mimic the natural sunlight poppies need. Here’s how to do it:

  • Choose the Right Light: LED grow lights are ideal for indoor poppies. They provide the full spectrum of light that poppies need for photosynthesis and growth. Make sure your lights can be adjusted for intensity and are placed about 6-12 inches above the plants.

Planting the Seeds: Use a well-draining potting mix and plant poppy seeds just below the surface. Poppies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, so aim for a pH of around 6.5 to 7.

  • Light Schedule: Poppies require at least 6-8 hours of light daily. A timer can help maintain a consistent light schedule, ensuring your poppies receive the necessary amount of light each day.

Temperature and Humidity: Keep the temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Poppies also prefer moderate humidity levels, so avoid placing them in overly dry or humid areas.

  • Watering and Feeding: Water your poppies when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Feed the plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to support their growth.

Tips for Growing Healthy Poppies Indoors

how to grow poppies indoors poppies plant flower

Regular Fertilization

To grow vibrant poppies indoors, fertilize them regularly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. This regular fertilization ensures your plants get the nutrients they need, especially when grown in containers.

Pinch Back Leaves

When your poppies reach a height of about 6 inches, pinch back the leaves. This helps encourage the plants to grow bushier and produce more flowers.

Ensure Adequate Air Circulation

Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Make sure to space your plants properly to avoid overcrowding.

Monitor for Pests

Watch out for pests like aphids and spider mites, which can be a problem. Look for signs of infestation and, if necessary, treat with an organic insecticide. Keeping an eye on your plants’ health is essential to maintaining their beauty indoors.

Direct Seeding Poppies in the Garden

Direct seeding is the recommended method for planting poppies because their roots dislike disturbance. To start your poppies from seed, simply sprinkle the seeds evenly over a smooth, raked garden bed and water gently. Poppy seeds are tiny and can be tricky to see once sprinkled, so mixing them with a little sand can help ensure they are distributed evenly.

Since poppies require light to germinate, do not cover the seeds entirely with soil. Instead, press them into the surface lightly to make seed-to-soil contact. Birds are known to snack on scattered seeds, so blanketing the freshly seeded bed with a lightweight row cover or sheet helps keep birds at bay and retain consistent moisture until germination.

In zones 8-10, fall seeding is ideal, typically in October or November. For zones 3-7, fall seeding is also possible for Shirley, Breadseed, and California poppies. When seeding in fall, your poppies will overwinter at seedling size and then grow rapidly as the weather warms in spring.

In areas where summer nights remain cool, you can make multiple sowings in early spring for blooms that last deeper into the summer. This method works well if you plan to grow herbs in the shade, providing a diverse and thriving garden space.

Transplanting Poppies

Poppies often dislike transplanting, so it’s essential to handle them gently. The roots are delicate, and it’s important to disturb them as little as possible. Make sure your plants are hardened off and water them well before transplanting. Choosing an overcast day with light rain can be especially helpful.

Prepare a bed in your garden that drains well and receives full sun. While it might seem counterintuitive, cold weather with cool nights is beneficial throughout the life cycle of the poppies. Plant them in early spring or fall if you’re in the South.

Using a floating row cover or caterpillar tunnel can help maintain consistent temperatures and moisture, though it’s not required for success. To transplant, create a small divot in the soil large enough for the root ball, and tuck the poppy seedling into the loose soil.

Gently fill the soil back around the roots, being careful not to bury the leaves. The first set of true leaves should sit just above the soil level. Use your hands to press the soil down around the base of the plant, helping the roots take hold. Water gently with your hose’s shower setting.

For those growing poppies for cut flower production, consider purchasing plugs raised in a greenhouse under ideal conditions. The healthiest seedlings ensure the greatest transplanting success and best flower yields.

Growing Poppies in Pots

  • Select Varieties: Choose the most compact varieties like California poppy, Iceland poppy, Oriental poppy, and Shirley poppy. Avoid Breadseed poppies as they are too large for most containers.
  • Timing: Surface-sow seeds in pots during late fall, winter, or very early spring, depending on your zone.
  • Placement: Place the pots on a sunny porch for optimal light.
  • Watering: Use the mist setting on a garden hose to water the seeds. This is the best way to ensure the seeds don’t wash off undetected.
  • Soil Care: Potting soil dries out more quickly than garden soil. Check for moisture regularly to keep the soil adequately hydrated.
  • Germination: Follow direct seeding instructions and be patient while waiting for the seeds to germinate.
  • Additional Tips: For a diverse garden, consider planting other flowers like when you plant peony bulbs.

By following these steps, you’ll successfully grow poppies in pots, creating a beautiful addition to your container garden.

How To Take Care of Poppies

Fertility Requirements

  • Check Soil Condition: Ensure your soil is not depleted. Add compost or leaf mold to boost microbial activity.
  • Balance Nutrients: Monitor the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Too much nitrogen can cause excessive leafy growth without blooms.
  • Soil Testing: Perform a soil test before planting to identify any deficiencies and adjust the pH of your garden soil accordingly.

Thinning Seedlings

  • Direct-Sowing: After direct-sowing, check if seedlings are bunched together.
  • Thin Seedlings: Gently use your fingers to remove extra seedlings or snip them off, leaving one strong seedling every 3-8 inches. This is crucial for Shirley, Iceland, Breadseed, and Oriental poppies.

Weed Management

  • Regular Checks: Inspect your poppy bed regularly to remove weeds.
  • Use Tools: A hoe can help eliminate young, germinated weeds, preserving resources for your plants.

Overwintering Poppies

  • Protect from Cold: Use a floating row cover or caterpillar tunnel to shield your poppies from hard freezes.
  • Maintain Conditions: These covers help keep temperature and moisture levels stable, promoting healthy growth during winter.
  • Indoor Growing: For severe cold and storms, consider using a tunnel or greenhouse to protect delicate buds.

Disease Prevention

  • Watch for Fungal Diseases: Be vigilant for signs of Southern blight in spring.
  • Ensure Proper Drainage: Use well-draining soil and ensure proper spacing to maintain good air flow.
  • Remove Affected Plants: If you notice crown rot, promptly remove the affected plants.

Deadheading

  • Remove Spent Blooms: Deadhead by removing spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming.
  • Encourage Regeneration: Regular cutting with snips promotes regeneration and allows for fresh cut flowers throughout the season.

Harvesting Poppies as Cutting Flowers

When harvesting poppies for flower arrangements, it’s essential to focus on thoughtful handling to maximize their beauty and vase life. Poppies should be cut at the cracked bud stage, where the bud is just starting to split open, showing a sliver of color through the fuzzy green sepals. This ensures that the flower will continue to open after being cut, giving you about five to seven days of vase life.

From my experience, harvesting involves cauterizing the cut ends of poppy stems over a flame or scalding them by dipping into boiling water. These strategies help in extending their vitality. If you’re growing poppies to sell, they should be stored in a cooler. At home, keep cut flowers in a cool area out of direct sunlight and ensure the water is clean to maintain their freshness.

Harvesting Poppy Seeds and Pods

At the end of the poppy’s life cycle, it will form seed pods that gradually fade from green to brown. When you see brown pods dotting your poppy bed, it’s time to harvest seeds. The Breadseed poppy is the ideal type for this purpose, providing tasty culinary seeds and large, round ornamental pods that are fun to use in home decor and are beloved by florists. Other poppies might produce smaller, yet still lovely pods, although they are less dramatic.

If your goal is to save seeds for planting, make sure to select heirloom or open-pollinated varieties to ensure that next season’s blooms exhibit the same charming qualities. Seeds from F-1 hybrids are unlikely to bloom true-to-type from saved seeds, so you’ll need to purchase hybrid seeds annually.

To harvest, cut stems that are fully browned and have tiny openings on the crown of each pod where the seed is released. Turn the gathered pods upside down in a bucket, and leave them in the sun for several days to hasten drying and let the seeds drop.

Each day, shake the stems to release more seeds. It is important to repeat this step to avoid a mess in your home, as it’s surprising how much seed they carry. As poppy seeds collect at the bottom, transfer them to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator, labeled with the harvest date and variety for baking projects and planting next season.

Conclusion

Growing poppies indoors is an easy and rewarding activity that can add a splash of color and beauty to any indoor space. With the right care, poppies can thrive indoors, provided they get full sun, good drainage, and regular watering. I’ve enjoyed seeing the healthy, vibrant flowers grow and bring life to my home year-round.

Several varieties of poppies are ideal for indoor gardening, and by following the steps outlined in this article, you can learn how to maintain fresh blooms. Tips to keep in mind include ensuring good soil and adequate sunlight. I’ve found that with consistent care, anyone can enjoy the beautiful and lasting flowers.

FAQs

Do poppies grow well in pots?

Growing poppies in pots can create a stunning display on your porch or balcony. These beautiful flowers add a touch of charm to any garden bed and are quite simple to grow. Potted poppy plants are also easy to care for, making them a perfect addition to your indoor garden. From personal experience, I find that the sight of poppy plants in a pot is just as delightful as seeing them in a traditional garden.

Is it illegal to grow red poppies?

Growing poppies indoors can be a rewarding experience, but understanding the law is essential. In the United States, opium poppies and poppy straw are prohibited due to their association with opium production. However, poppies can be legal for culinary or esthetic reasons. Historically, farmers in California grown poppies as a cash crop, although the law on poppy cultivation remains somewhat ambiguous.

How long do poppies take to grow from seed?

Growing poppies indoors is a rewarding experience. Poppies should be watered regularly to ensure they thrive, but they can tolerate dry conditions for short periods. There’s no need to fertilize these resilient flowers. Typically, it takes about 60 to 90 days for poppies to bloom after the seed is planted. The timing can vary based on your growing zone and the specific planting time. Success depends greatly on Mother Nature’s cooperation.

Are poppies easy to grow?

Poppies are remarkably easy to grow indoors. Many people find that the biggest issue with growing them is that they require some light to germinate. While they don’t need much attention or time, ensuring they get enough light is crucial for successful growth.

when do poppies bloom?

In my experience, poppies often bloom in spring and early summer, showing their vibrant colors before the tops die back. These plants then become dormant during the heat. The poppy survives through its fleshy taproot. In cooler coastal climates, especially in California, these poppies can bloom throughout the summer.

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