When to plant
Sow poppy seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in early autumn in mild climates so they establish before winter. Autumn sowing often gives earlier, stronger flowering. Avoid sowing in very wet or frozen soil. If planting young plants, set them out in spring after the risk of hard frost has passed.
Where to plant
Choose a sunny position with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Poppies thrive in borders, meadow-style plantings, gravel gardens and along paths where their airy flowers can move in the breeze. They dislike heavy shade and perform best in open, well-lit spots.
Preparing the soil
Loosen the soil to 15–20 cm depth and remove weeds and stones. Poppies prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil and do not need heavy feeding. Improve clay soil with grit and compost to sharpen drainage; lightly enrich very poor, sandy soil with a little compost so it holds some moisture.
Preparing the plants or seeds
If sowing from seed, keep the seeds dry and mix them with a small amount of fine sand to help distribute them evenly. If planting young plants, water them well in their pots before planting so the rootball is moist and easier to establish.
Planting the plants or sowing the seeds
For seeds, scatter thinly over the prepared soil surface and lightly press them in or cover with no more than a very fine layer of soil—poppy seeds need light to germinate well. For plants, set them at the same depth as in the pot and firm gently. Space plants about 20–30 cm apart to allow airy, natural clumps.
After planting
Water gently after sowing or planting to settle the soil, taking care not to wash seeds away. Keep the soil just lightly moist until seedlings emerge or plants are established. Once growing, poppies prefer conditions that are on the drier side rather than constantly wet.
During growth
Thin seedlings if they are too crowded so that each plant has space to develop. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially on light, sandy soils, but avoid overwatering. Feeding is usually unnecessary; too much fertiliser can lead to lush foliage and fewer flowers. Remove any competing weeds by hand.
After flowering / end of season
Deadhead spent blooms if you want to prolong flowering and reduce self-seeding. If you would like poppies to naturalise, leave some seed heads to ripen and scatter their seed. At the end of the season, allow plants to die back naturally; annual types will brown and wither, while perennial clumps can be tidied by cutting back old stems.
Extra tips
Poppies combine beautifully with grasses, nigella, cornflowers and other meadow-style flowers. They are ideal for relaxed, low-maintenance plantings where a slightly wild, informal look is desired. If you want a continuous display, sow a second small batch of seed a few weeks after the first.
