Poppies, corn poppies – sowing, planting and care

All species that can be counted among the poppies are characterized by large, quite showy flowers, which contain a total of four petals and capsule-shaped fruits. Three selected species are particularly suitable for cultivation in the home garden:

• poppy
• white alpine poppy
• Turkish poppy
• Islandmohn

The white alpine poppy is mainly found in the northern Alps, where the plant thrives on particularly calcareous soil. The tufted perennial is extremely decorative, especially because of its snow-white petals. The Turkish poppy, whose flowers are scarlet in colour, presents itself in a similarly magnificent way. The plant is primarily native to the Caucasus and north-eastern Turkey; Unfortunately, the perennial has a rather short flowering period. The Icelandic poppy, which is mainly found in the arctic tundra region, is a blue-green variant of the poppy.

Corn poppy – location and soil

Corn poppies do best in areas of the garden that are as sunny as possible; under no circumstances should the location be in the shade, as the plant needs sufficient light and warmth. When choosing a suitable location, decorative aspects should also be taken into account; the scarlet plant works particularly well in company with sedum, iris, yarrow, lupine and other perennials. Particularly noble combination partners are larkspur, gypsophila, goldenrod and especially roses. However, cornflowers and daisies present themselves as classic partners, which form a very decorative contrast to the bright red flowers of the corn poppy. In principle, different areas in the garden can be used for cultivating the plants, as long as they receive sufficient sun; However, the colorful flowers look particularly pretty in a wildflower meadow or in the context of natural green areas. Regardless of whether they are used individually or in groups on beds and borders – poppies can always be combined in new ways.

The chosen location should offer an optimal substrate mixture in which the plant can thrive. When choosing the soil, care should be taken to ensure that there is sufficient permeability. Ideally, the substrate is deep and not too rich in nutrients; in soils with a very high proportion of nutrients there is a risk that the flowers will shoot up quickly. Due to the weight of the flowers, the stems often bend over. Clay soils should preferably be used, which may be refined with sand.

Optimal care

The care of the corn poppy is not very complex. As a quite robust plant, the plant survives longer periods of drought without any problems. However, when cultivated in the garden, corn poppies do best if they are watered regularly. Additional fertilization is not required. The regular removal of faded parts of the plant is part of the optimal care of the corn poppy. In addition, after flowering, the plants are completely removed from the soil and composted; otherwise the self-seeding of the plant will take place.

Overwintering does not matter for the poppy, as it is an annual plant. However, if sown in early fall, the seeds must survive the winter. In this case, the plant overwinters as a rosette plant and flowers earlier in the following year. Only perennial varieties, such as Turk’s poppy, overwinter as a finished plant. Then the plant should be cut back in autumn to just above the ground. The clippings can then be used as winter protection. In addition, fir branches, shredded or leaves are also suitable, which primarily protect against frost.

propagation

Propagation of poppies can be done in different ways:

• by self-seeding
• through targeted sowing
• using root cuttings

If corn poppies are to be encouraged to sow themselves, some plants must be left after flowering. Then the flowers independently scatter their seeds.

However, if the poppy is to be cultivated in a specific location in the garden for the first time, targeted sowing is required. For this purpose, the first step should be to remove the seed pods from adult plants. A day of sunny conditions is best for this. The seeds can be removed from the capsules by shaking them several times. The seeds must be carefully stored until they are used. Storage works best under dry and cool conditions. Sowing begins at the end of March and ends at the beginning of April.

To make the sowing as even as possible, some seeds can be mixed with a handful of fine soil or sand; this effectively prevents too many seeds from getting into one area. The seed is simply placed on the prepared soil. This works best by simply sprinkling it by hand or by spreading it out. After scattering, the seeds are only lightly covered with soil, resulting in a planting depth of about half a centimeter. Now the soil must always be kept slightly moist. In principle, it has proven itself to spread the seeds at the final desired location; the plants form quite long and strong taproots, which make transplanting difficult at a later point in time.

Most poppy varieties, but especially the Turkish poppy, can also be propagated via root cuttings. For this purpose, the roots of the plants are dug up or partially exposed. Late autumn has proven to be the best time for this measure. Suitable material for propagation is healthy, strong roots, which are as thick as a pencil, or even better, as thick as a finger and are severed near the root neck. The selected material is then cleaned and side roots are removed. Now the propagating material can be cut into pieces up to 8 cm long. The upper part should be cut straight, the lower part at an angle. They are then plugged into loose and permeable seed soil. A cool location is important now; this should not exceed temperatures of 10°C. The root cuttings are always kept slightly moist. Optimally cared for, the cuttings begin to sprout after four to six weeks. Then repotting is required:

• Time: after a few leaves and roots have formed
• dry location
• restrained fertilization

pests and diseases

Depending on the species, poppies are primarily attacked by aphids. Severely rolled up, but also wrinkled and sometimes blistered and sticky parts of the plant present themselves as damage. The pests themselves are often found crowded under the leaves. As the infestation progresses, the shoots begin to take care of themselves. The main remedy is solutions made from soft soap, which are introduced into the plant in a targeted manner. Tansy tea or nettle extract also help. In addition, it has proven itself to specifically promote beneficial insects, such as gall mites or lacewings.

As a classic disease, poppy smut can become a problem in papaver plants. This bacterial disease is usually triggered by prolonged moisture. The leaves initially show transparent spots that turn brown as the disease progresses. In order to protect the plant from infestation, it has proven useful to ensure sufficient spacing between the individual specimens when planting poppies.

Another classic disease that can affect poppies is downy mildewdifferent pathogens, which are counted among the algal fungi, cause a characteristic pattern of damage. A whitish-gray to brownish coating with a velvety consistency is particularly evident on the underside of the leaves. Yellow or brown spots are often present on the upper side of the leaves, some of which also appear on the stems. In the event of an infestation, various plant strengtheners can be used preventively. These include, for example, horsetail extracts, but garlic broths have also proven themselves. Infected plant parts should be removed as soon as possible. In the case of a severe infestation, only a special fungicide can often help. In this context, preparations that are absorbed systemically via the leaves and roots have proven to be very advantageous.

Noteworthy when used as a cut flower

Corn poppy is particularly popular as a cut flower. In order to make the plant last as long as possible in the apartment, certain aspects must be considered when cutting. The cut can be made as soon as the first colors are formed. However, the flowers must still be closed at the time of cutting. It is best to cut with scissors or a sharp knife. The poppy is then held under hot water as a quick way to extend its shelf life. Alternatively, the plant can also be flamed briefly. After treatment, the flower is placed in a vase containing fresh tap water.

Effects of the poppy – poisonous and healing

The milky sap and seeds of the poppy contain the alkaloid rhoeadine; because of this active ingredient, the plant is classified as poisonous. Symptoms of poisoning can occur, especially in children, if individual parts of the plant are eaten. These primarily include stomach and intestinal problems such as nausea and vomiting; but cramps and drowsiness may also occur. Caution is also required when keeping large livestock: pigs, cows, cattle and horses can also poison themselves if they eat poppies. The following symptoms indicate poisoning:

• nervous states of excitement
• jumpiness
• Stomach and intestinal problems
• epileptic seizures
• unconsciousness

In addition to the poisonous effect, however, folk medicine in particular also benefited from various healing properties that the poppy unfolds. For example, individual parts of the plant were used to treat coughs and as a sedative. However, the application is now considered obsolete.

Conclusion
Poppies are quite undemanding in terms of location and soil conditions. The plant can be used flexibly. But when cultivating, it should always be remembered that the alkaloids contained have a toxic potential. Carefully planted and optimally cared for, hobby gardeners are sure to enjoy the decorative corn poppy for a long time – and get the urge to try out other varieties of the poppy family.