How to Grow Corn Poppy

Corn poppies (Papaver rhoeas) are breezy, old-world annuals with large, crepe-paper flowers and an undemanding nature. The Flanders corn poppy blooms in a vivid red and sports the traditional black splotches at the base, while the Shirley corn poppy showcases pastel colors unmarked with the black patches. Whatever the variety, corn poppies sprout easily and aren't fussy, making them a great addition to a low-care garden.

Fresh poppy seed
Sand
Soil amendments (if necessary)

Instructions

- 1
  
  Don't work wet soil; this compacts the soil and creates a garden of dirt clods.
  
  Plant poppies in early spring, as soon as you can work the soil. Poppy seeds germinate well in cooler temperatures and don't mind a little chilly weather. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zone 7 or higher, plant the seeds in late fall for early spring sprouts.
- 2
  Choose a planting site with six hours of full sun. Corn poppies reseed easily; make sure you won't mind poppy volunteers springing up near the original site, such as a mixed flower border or a field. Clear the site from weeds and amend the soil if necessary.
- 3
  Mix one part straight poppy seed with three parts sand. This makes scattering the seed easier and prevents crowded, struggling clumps of seedlings.
- 4
  Cast the seed-sand mix over the site and press the seed lightly into the soil. Don't cover the seeds with soil; poppy seeds need sun to germinate.
- 5
  
  A crowded planting site has a greater impact than a random red bloom.
  
  Keep the soil moist until the sprouts appear. Corn poppies aren't fussy about spacing, but thinning the plants allows for air circulation and keeps the foliage healthy. Thin 1-inch-tall seedlings until the plants are 6 to 8 inches apart.
- 6
  Water the poppies only when the weather is particularly hot or dry. Deadhead the poppies to prevent seed production and to keep the garden bed tidy. Some gardeners, however, prefer the ornamental appearance of the seed heads and encourage poppy volunteers.

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