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Growing Poppies in Texas

There are about 200 species of poppy grown around the world and at least four of those are well suited to Texas, according to Skip Richter of "Texas Gardener" magazine. While many poppies are perennials, Richter notes that all poppies are grown as annuals in Texas because it is so hot, but more specifically as biennials, "sprouting in fall, growing through winter and blooming in spring." Caucasus, Iceland, Flanders, Shirley poppies and California poppies grow well in Texas gardens.

Things You'll Need

  • Poppy seeds
  • Compost
  • Mulch
  • Spade
  • Garden rake
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sow seed anytime from November to January, as "Houston Chronicle" gardening columnist Brenda Beust Smith recommends.

    • 2

      Choose a site that is slightly higher than the rest of the yard or garden, or construct a raised bed. Poppies need excellent drainage and will not grow or tolerate soggy soils.

    • 3

      Locate the planting bed where flowers will get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Full sun will encourage the plants to stand up straight instead of leaning and stretching to catch some rays.

    • 4

      Loosen the soil to a depth of only a few inches then smooth it with a garden rake. Texas A&M's horticulture website recommends scattering seeds over bare soil then gently running the rake over them and watering gently after planting. Expect seeds to germinate in about a week.

    • 5

      Water mature poppies only when rain is scarce. A 2-inch-deep layer of compost followed by a 2-inch-deep layer of mulch will conserve water and keep the soil cool and moist.

    • 6

      Remove spent flower heads to encourage new blooms.

    • 7

      Dig plants when they are small, transporting a spade full of soil along with the young plant if you wish to relocate poppies, according to the Texas A&M website. This is the only time to relocate poppies, as they generally dislike being moved.

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Growing Annuals
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