The Dividends committee chose three varieties of full sun Pavaver Orientale (poppies) for the 2024 Spring Dividend:
- Royal Wedding (white poppy)
- Brilliant (red and orange poppy)
- Champagne Mix (yellow, orange, and red poppies)
Papaver Orientale are well-known for having a brilliant display of huge, showy blooms in a generous array of striking colors, most colors having a black center. The blooms last for 2-3 weeks during a period from May thru July, and can be cut for display. They are a favorite for both ornamental and pollinator gardeners.
Planting and Caring for your Poppies
- Plant your poppies in the Spring as you would any hardy perennial, depending on when the ground is workable and the temperatures are moderate. They are not fussy about soil, including sandy, clay, or loamy, and they can thrive with a moderate pH level.
- Poppies require a well-drained soil, and moderate watering during a dry spell. Too much water leads to rot and/or fungal issues.
- Poppies are full-sun lovers, and can tolerate only light shade. Plant them 12″ to 18″ apart, leaving room for their 18-24 spread and width. They are hardy in zones 5-7, perfect for our 6a.
- Poppies can grow from 20″ to 40″ inches, and though their thick hairy lobed foliage and long tap root provides support, they may need staking. Deadhead the spent blossoms to help reduce the weight on the upright stems.
- When the plants go into dormancy in the Fall, cut back any remaining flower heads/seed capsules to prevent heavy spreading. Then cut all foliage cleanly back to the ground. Propagate your plants from Fall root cuttings.