I started Meconopsis this year from seed, and have had great success with germination. These seeds can be tricky to sprout, and the best advice I got was to put them in a container with water, and put it in the fridge. Rinsing weekly for 8 weeks, then surface sow under bright lights. I do want to mention though, these are a tough plant to get going in the best of climates (I am in Ontario, Canada)..and they are suited for a much cooler climate then where you are (sorry, I don't know the zone for you). It mentioned in an article that hot climates usually have disappointing results with them, as they enjoy the coolest part of the shade garden in the summer.
Sorry to not have better news for you! Hope you try the container of water in the fridge with them and that you have good luck with germination! After care may be super tricky!

Melanie/Eternity2669

Melanie, I don't know where you got your sowing advice but I'm glad it worked for you for meconopsis.

However, the seeds don't need to be soaked, and they don't need to be stratified. Germination isn't difficult at all if you can provide temperatures in the 45 - 55F range, often hard to achieve indoors.

libael, which meconopsis? The only one I can think of you might possibly have a chance with is m. cambrica which will often flower first year from seed even though a perennial.
You cannot grow the others in the tropics - sorry if that sounds too direct but you are no where close to their preferred climate, if you have germination the seedlings will not survive. These need a cool summer climate, a winter, and may or may not bloom in their second year - it could be year three and they won't live that long for you without a climate controlled (chilled) glasshouse.

Here is a link that might be useful: Meconopsis/cultivation/seed

Here's a link to one of the sites I got info from...it mentions 4 weeks of stratification.

"Meconopsis betonicifolia-
Himalayan Blue Poppy"

I can't find the article about the cold water "soaking" stratification, but I know it worked great for me, that's why I suggested it. Stratification may not be necessary, but it is definately beneficial....hope that helps!

Another great link:
"Some Experiences with Meconopsis"

Notable points :

What have I Iearned about growing these spectacular plants?

1. Meconopsis seed germinates best at cool temperatures so it is a good idea to stratify the seed. Stratification is exposing the seed to a period of cool moist conditions that help initiate germination.

2. Seedlings need cool, well ventilated growing conditions, If they get too warm they collapse and die (looks like damping off).

3. In my garden small plants often are heaved out of the ground by frosts so it is best to keep seedlings in a cold frame for their first winter.

4. In the garden, they need shade from the hot sun and a rich, moist soil during the growing season.

5. When dormant they prefer to be relatively dry around the crown soil line. Planting on a slope can help excess moisture drain away. A gravel mulch around the plant may help.

Melanie, as I said, I'm glad they germinated for you, it's always a thrill when those seeds sprout. Risking sounding a bit judgmental though, the main page of your website also reads "Whether you practice witchcraft, ritual magick, or simply enjoy unusual incense, oils, herbs, and seeds, you will find something here of interest. All of our products have traditionally played a role in ancient or modern Earth-based spirituality (Paganism)"

OK, maybe it's me, but I think there are more reliable places for sowing helps :) If reliable is the word I even want, I don't write for a living.

The meconopsis.org site based in England has a lot of good information. My climate is close to that of England and I've grown these for years often using my own seed - I will also buy seed when I want to be sure of specific types (usually Chilterns, I have good germination with theirs).

In my garden in my cool summer climate, they will take almost full sun, and may develop mildew in more shade. Winter wet when dormant is a given here and can't be avoided but frost heave isn't an issue.

It took me a few years to realize it, but fresh seed sown shortly after harvest germinates in approx 3 weeks if kept moist outdoors, days in the 60's or 70's, nights 50's. Seed that has been stored several weeks or months will do best at lower temperatures.

The Meconopsis Group - Meconopsis.org - No frills or promises, just a group of gardeners who enjoy and who have had experience growing meconopsis:

Here is a link that might be useful: Meconopsis.org

At the "risk" of sounding judgemental? Are you kidding? Responses like the one you've given are the reason so many beginner gardeners don't want to post questions, and new gardeners with ideas don't want to post answers. I was offering a helpful tip....that was it! There was no need for you to be rude, condescending, or appear as a "know it all". For any gardener, a tip that works is one well worth passing on! If you don't agree with it...fine...but there's no need to come across the way you did. You can offer disputing information without insults...as subtle as they may be.

I don't begin to understand what you just said - I in no way intended to be condescending or know it all and apologize if my posts allowed you to believe otherwise.

You offered a website that did not appear to come from anyone of experience to me, and one that sells seeds, not gardening based. I gave you a better alternative and one with excellent illustrations.

There is never any one way to germinate any seed, but there are methods that are most often successful. After several years experience growing meconopsis, while I'm happy yours germinated I'd be concerned you could run the risk of the seeds rotting too when left in water for 8 weeks. I'm pleased yours did not but you should be aware of the possibility.

I have never posted or had reason to post an insult on these forums, subtle or otherwise.

Thank you for the very kind an thorough replies.
I have a friend, who's mother has a garden in the much colder higher lands. I will just give it to her, see what happens.
NOw for the rest of the Poppies.....Is it possible? I have Oriental, Red Coral, Turkish, Black Peony, etc.
help?
Thanks again

It's too hot in the summer for the Himalayan Blue Poppies to do well here so I finally gave up. Our summers can be in the upper 90's with 90% humidity for weeks at a time. As for the others I'd just direct sow and see how they do. They don't like to be transplanted and don't need any pre-treatment to sprout. You don't have anything to lose by trying.

libael, you did kind of get left behind in this thread. While you may have a chance with some of the annual type poppies, you also might want to consider the climate of origin of some of your seeds - mountains of Turkey for the oriental poppies, normally thought to do best in US zones 3-8 where they go late summer dormant, then return with the arrival of cooler temps and Fall rains.

I'm not sure why we yearn to grow things that don't do well in our own zones, but somehow those out-of-reach plants can be what we covet the most...then can take the failures as a reflection of our gardening talents :) I'd love to be able to grow bouganvalia, citrus outdoors, or the orchids you mention but I'm old enough to know now I'd just be sending myself down the road to dissapointment and frustration.

I know little about Costa Rica but a quick web search shows many, many botanical and public gardens so apparently there's a strong gardening interest there. I also don't know how conveniently you are located to any of these beautiful displays, but if you have the chance, a visit with notepad in pocket might really open doors for you in growing some remarkable plants those of us in temperate climates couldn't attempt....Just a thought :)