Nothing says summer has arrived quite like seeing bright red poppies swaying in the fields and along the roadsides. Those big, bold blooms look absolutely idyllic in the wild, but they’re also a total showstopper in your own backyard. If you’re wondering what poppies need to thrive or when the best time is to get them in the ground, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s everything you need to know.
The Best Varieties for Your Home Garden
When most people think of poppies, they automatically see red. But did you know these beauties come in a whole rainbow of colors? I’ve rounded up some of the most popular varieties to help you spruce up your flower beds:
- White Alpine Poppy (great as a groundcover)
- Red Oriental Poppy
- Peony Poppy
- Iceland Poppy
- California Poppy (also known as Golden Poppy)
- Common Poppy (Flanders Poppy)
- Ladybird Poppy
Pro Tip: It’s always a smart move to pick a variety that matches your local climate. For example, if you live somewhere a bit chillier, the Iceland Poppy is a tough cookie that handles cool temperatures like a pro.
A Closer Look at Poppy Personalities
Poppies come in so many different shapes and sizes. We all know the classic bright red Common Poppy, but have you seen the California Poppy? Its golden petals are just stunning. If you’re looking for drama, the Oriental Poppy boasts massive petals that really make a statement. On the other hand, the Ladybird Poppy is as cute as its name suggests—it only grows about 12 inches tall and features distinct black spots on its red petals. You might also be familiar with the purple Breadseed Poppy (Opium Poppy), though it’s worth noting that cultivation laws for that specific variety can be pretty strict depending on where you live!
The most important thing to remember is that some poppies are annuals (they live for one season) and others are perennials (they come back every year). Always check your seed packet to see if your choice is winter-hardy for your zone.
Where to Plant Your Poppies
Poppies are total sun-worshippers; they love warm, bright spots. They look their absolute best in a perennial bed alongside friends like:
- Daisies
- Goldenrod
- Lupines
- Cornflowers
- Delphiniums
Planting them among other flowers is actually a clever trick! Since poppies have a relatively short blooming window, their neighbors can help fill in the gaps once the poppy petals start to drop. They’re the perfect “filler” plant to add a burst of color to your borders.
Easy-Breezy Care
The best part about poppies? During their short but glorious time in the spotlight, they are incredibly low-maintenance. Just make sure they get enough water, and that’s about it—you can actually skip the fertilizer altogether.
Pro Tip: If you want your poppies to come back next year without any extra work, leave the seed pods alone! They’ll dry out, crack open, and self-seed your garden for a beautiful surprise next summer.
