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Question About Seeding Poppy Seeds

alameda/zone 8/East Texas

8 years ago

I found some Papaver somniferum [poppy] seeds that I would like to grow. I have poppies and I throw the seed out in fall - I have seedlings coming up now. I really would like to buy these seeds and seed them now, in January. Wondering if it is too late to plant poppies? Mine usually bloom in early April. Can I plant now or should I just save the seeds until next fall? Thanks........

Judith

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Comments (4)

tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
8 years ago
No harm in trying some now and some later. In my climes I've sown them as late as March.

tj
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years ago
if the seed is fresh and viable ... go for it .. maybe half now.. half later ...

so what if they arent on the same schedule as the others ...

i just wouldnt try in very late spring.. when the heat of summer is coming ... babes need the more temperate spring.. to get going.. and get some roots down .. to survive the heat ...

you simply arent that late.. imho ..

ken
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Hi northerner_on :) Okay, you are in a zone above me but I imagine us to not be too far different. My pods were ready for harvesting I think a few months ago so I believe yours would be by now!! As long as the heads are brown and dried out, then the seeds should be ready :) With the rain, I'd just make sure the seeds are fully dry before storing. ( I actually leave seed collecting for another day when it rains cuz mother nature I find, is much better at drying them faster then indoors, where they might mold) As far as color, I also grew those kind of poppies but I would not describe my seeds as black completely. shades of brown if I look closely at mine. I'd say to keep them and try them no matter what tho lol ;) Hope this helps a little!! ~Michael heavenlyfarm Here is a link that might be useful: Includes a pic of poppy seeds in her hand
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alameda/zone 8/East Texas
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks! I am going to try it - I found 2 great sources for some different colored poppies and would really like to see if they would grow. I am in east Texas - tho it gets really hot in summer.....we generally have cool springs. My poppies from years past are just now starting to make little seedlings. I can save back some seed for next fall. Thanks ya'll!

Judith
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
8 years ago
I planted my poppies in November/December years past. Mine are almost ready to start blooming. It all depends if we get a late winter weather one could plant now and get plants.. My instincts are that it is too late to plant them and get large plants but one can plant them and get small plants that will flower and go to seed for next year. I am feeling a warm early spring if this non winter continues. I have not planted in years. It is all volunteered poppies.

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