Poppy Blossoms - LeRoy, NY

I can't thank you enough for this picture. This is one of my favorite flowers for many reasons. My great grandmother had them planted all along her front walkway on Liberty St. I think of her and that house everytime I see them. Also, it was a flower I patiently waited to bloom the sping my youngest son was born. I watched the buds get bigger and bigger (just as I was)and I was afraid that I'd miss seeing the flowers since the plant and I were racing to delivery day. I went out to the garden just before leaving for the hospital and the plant was in bloom. Youngest son hates hearing this story, especially when I remind him that he was my poppy baby. hehehe.

Bea, how do I grow these, from seed, bulb, or can I buy the plants? They are beautiful, and I see them everywhere!!

Thanks Howard. Do they come up every year?

At the time, I had a hard time finding the single poppy. That year, it seemed all they were selling were the doubles. I remember that I was told they could be grown by seed, but I did find plants at a farmers' market. They are certainly a harbinger of spring. I love them (but only the orange), Sun Exposure: Full Sun Bloom Color: Pink Red Orange White/Near White Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer Foliage: Herbaceous Other details: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) Propagation Methods: By dividing the rootball From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse From seed; sow indoors before last frost From seed; direct sow after last frost Seed Collecting: Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored