[bigdog]

hello i think poppy seeds are beautiful , but i cannot get them to grow ,what am i doing wrong ? i have a big envelope with this years dried seeds in , and i wish to spread them randomly across open ground ,when is the right time to sow them ?now  a or spring ? do i need to prepare the soil  be grateful for advice

[Kleftiwallah]

The autumn winds shaking the poppy seed pods scatter the seeds, why not do what mother nature does - but keep a few back to plant in pots in the spring? 

Cheers,    Tony.

[arugula]

Broadcasting in the spring is supposed to be the best way, as poppy seeds like light.

I must say I have bought poppy seeds in the past, as I love them too, and have done this to no avail, but I think the field mice here might have eaten them. I've just collected all the seed pods this morning and from some of my other flowers and I will hopefully get them to germinate and grow next year to a lovely display for the pollinators.

[allotmentann]

I simply shake the poppy heads as I clear the old ones as and when in late summer/autumn and they grow all over the place. But....I do have a light, sandy soil and I have been wondering for a while now if this has anything to do with it. I can grow poppies at the allotment (which is heavy clay) but they are nowhere near as prolific. I have also tried in other gardens with a heavier soil and they are not as good. The three gardens I have had most success in have had poor soil really (one of them just gravel where they self seeded happily)

[Goosegirl]

As poppies can grow like wildfire, i.e. the Welsh ones, in my garden, maybe they don't like being covered up when sowing? Try sprinkling them onto two seed trays of compost with added grit, perlite or such, cover one with another seed tray, leave one uncovered, and leave outside. Remember to have a look to see how they are doing.

[arugula]

Unfortunately, poppies don't like being disturbed so whilst sowing in a tray or pots might seem ideal, the young plants won't appreciate being moved.

[Goosegirl]

I have read that, but have sown them in modules and got awaay with it.