Where to get the best seeds for Poppies

[HotPepperQueen]

I have been trying to grow old fashioned red poppies for YEARS. I have very fond memories of going to my Great Grandmother's farm and picking those bright red poppies with the striking black centers with her. The plants always die and never come back that I buy from the nursery. I want to try growing them from seed this year. Any good places to find those old fashioned seeds? Also- do Poppies have special growing conditions that I don't know about?

 

[NwMtGardener]

I have a package of those tall old fashioned red poppy seeds that my grandmother gave me from her garden a few years ago. I thought i'd plant them, but realized that i dont have the space in my little town lot for such a sprawly big plant. Plus, i kinda like things "orderly" and i dont think poppies fit in that category!! I cant guarantee they'll sprout, but i'm happy to mail them to you if you want to try! i'll check my seeds tonight and make sure i still have them.

 

[catjac1975]

I have saved seed and will send you some if you like. I have red, orange, white and pink poppies. The only problem with the red is the flowers are very short lived compared to the other colors. I also have had bad luck with store bought poppie plants. They do not like to be transplanted. I posted germination directions last spring.

I have been trying to grow old fashioned red poppies for YEARS. I have very fond memories of going to my Great Grandmother's farm and picking those bright red poppies with the striking black centers with her. The plants always die and never come back that I buy from the nursery. I want to try growing them from seed this year. Any good places to find those old fashioned seeds? Also- do Poppies have special growing conditions that I don't know about?

 

[catjac1975]

http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=35517&p=2

 

[HotPepperQueen]

I saw the pictures on that thread- so beautiful! I will be willing to try seeds from the both of you and see how it goes. Thank you for your generosity!

 

[catjac1975]

I never fertilize my poppies at all. They expand every year, but do not like transplanting. One thing to remember for those of you just starting the Oriental poppies. After blooming the whole plant dies back to nothing. Very soon after, new green growth emerges and it grows all winter becoming lush again in the spring.