Poppies are among the most admired garden flowers, known for their vivid colours and delicate, papery blooms. While many people say “poppies are easy to grow,” that really depends on the variety and your climate. Some thrive effortlessly, while others demand cool winters or precise conditions to perform well.
You can grow poppies from seed, and the best time to sow them is from late autumn through to mid-winter. Each species has its preferences—some from cold mountain regions with sharp drainage, others from milder areas where soils stay moist for longer.
Across the family, poppies display an incredible range of flower forms and colours—from glowing oranges and soft pinks to rich reds, whites, and even blues. Both plants and seeds are widely available for sale in Australia, covering everything from classic garden types to collector’s favourites.
How to Plant Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds are famously tiny and need light to germinate, which means they should always be surface sown. Getting them started is easy once you know the technique.
Best time to sow: Mid-autumn to early winter.
Steps for planting poppy seeds:
- Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil. Poppies dislike heavy manure or overly rich conditions.
- Prepare the soil so that the top layer is fine and even.
- Sprinkle the poppy seeds lightly on the surface — don’t cover them.
- Water gently with a soft spray to avoid washing the seeds away.
- Keep the surface slightly moist until seedlings emerge.
- Once germinated, thin seedlings to give each plant room to grow.
- Continue watering normally and keep the bed weed-free.
Poppies can be grown successfully in garden beds or large containers, making them versatile flowers for sunny courtyards and cottage gardens.
Varieties of Poppies
The two main groups grown in gardens are Papaver and Meconopsis, both treasured for their spectacular flowers and decorative seed heads.
- Papaver includes well-known types such as
- Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale) – large, showy blooms in vivid red, pink, or white.
- Spanish Poppy (Papaver rupifragum) – cheerful orange flowers with ferny foliage.
- Peony-flowered Poppy (Papaver paeoniflorum) – lush, double petals resembling peonies.
- Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – a sun-loving annual with silky orange-gold petals.
- Meconopsis, sometimes called the Himalayan poppy, includes the sought-after blue-flowering forms like Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’, as well as the hardy yellow Welsh poppy. These species appreciate cooler climates and are best suited to areas with mild summers.
Poppy flowers come in shades from pure white (‘Perry’s White’) through to deep crimson (‘Brilliant’), with the rare blue Himalayan strain offering something truly unique for collectors.
Tips for Success
- Sunlight: Poppies love full sun but can tolerate partial shade in warmer regions.
- Soil: Light, well-draining soil is ideal—avoid overfertilising.
- Watering: Regular but moderate watering while young; established plants are quite drought-tolerant.
- Self-seeding: Many poppy species will self-sow naturally for a repeat display the following season.
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Poppies are available for sale from the following nurseries
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au