Topic: Poppies

[DadnDom]

Wanted to start them in seed trays then transplant because I only had a very small amount of seed left.
Seeds have popped but after a couple of days they just seem to fall over and give up :(

Any tips, same happened last year I seem to recall :(

[MrsKP]

damping off ?  over watering ?

I just slung mine straight in the ground this year.  All starting to germinate now.

[ellkebe]

Like MrsKP, I've always just chucked mine out and let them fend for themselves from the word go, and then they pretty much self seed.  I have a few Shirley Mix left if you'd like some.  PM me.   

[MrsKP]

I moved my poppy bed from last year but saved a stack of seeds.  Having just gone through the box to find some spare for you Dadndom, I find that I have none left !   :o

Something tells me I'm going to have a busy poppy bed by the front door !

Next year you can definitely have some.

 ;D

[DadnDom]

Thanks for the very kind offer, the seed I was low on was from a particular poppy the OH bought for me, means a lot to me to try and keep it going. Managed to keep it going for a few years but this year and last year i have struggled.
Can I let the tray go bone dry before watering?
They seem to be germing OK but falling over after a few days and dying. I am watering as lightly as possible.

[MrsKP]

you watering from above or pouring some in the tray to soak up ?

I've had more success with soaking up.

There's that stuff to sprinkle over to help prevent damping off or sprinkle cinnamon, that's supposed to work too.

I did sow some blue poppies one year which never came to ought.  Will be interesting to see how the bed fairs this year.

[DadnDom]

Been sneaking the water in from the side now, everything in the middle has died off, but I have a few stragglers hanging in on the side.

Funny you should mention blue poppies, I spied some today in the garden centre seed rack. I think I may have  a bash at them. If they grow I'll save you some seeds so you can have another try:)

[MrsKP]

ooh ta thanks.  and I'll be collected enough seeds to stock the whole of the world come the end of the season, so will be sure and save you a bucketful. 

Viva la poppy revolution.

 ;D

[DadnDom]

Do poppies cross pollinate? Just thinking I will have around 4 varieties, will they all end up crossed out?

If so is there any way to prevent this?

[MrsKP]

not a clue !  this is my first year of growing my own saved seeds.  I'll tell you in a couple of months !

 ;D

[DadnDom]

lol I'll do a bit of googling and seperate a few for hand pollination if thats the case:)