Sometimes your poppies just aren’t vibing with their current spot, or maybe you’re redesigning your flower beds and they no longer fit the aesthetic. Either way, a change of scenery is in order! I’ll be honest with you: moving poppies can be a bit tricky. They grow long taproots that dig deep into the earth, and their stems are surprisingly delicate. But don’t worry—with a little know-how, you can transplant them without a hitch.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Whether you’re moving a potted poppy into the garden or relocating a division, sun is the name of the game. Poppies are total sun-worshippers; if you stick them in the shade, they simply won’t bloom. As for the soil? They actually prefer it a bit on the leaner side, so don’t worry about making it too rich.
How to Transplant Your Poppies
The good news is that poppies are pretty low-maintenance and hardy. Once they settle into a spot that meets their needs, they’re good to go. Here are a few pro-tips to get you started:
Timing is Everything
You’ll want to move your poppies in either the fall or early spring. The golden rule here is to never try to transplant them while they are in full bloom—it’s just too much stress for the plant.
What to Watch Out For
Since poppies have that deep taproot I mentioned, you’ll want to dig deep to get as much of it out as possible. Make sure your new hole is deep enough so the root doesn’t have to bend or cramp. That said, poppies are tougher than they look; they can usually handle a little light root trimming if necessary.
Pro Tip: If you leave bits of the root behind in the old spot, don’t be surprised if new “volunteer” poppies start popping up there next season!
Moving Potted Poppies to the Garden
Before you move a potted poppy into your garden beds, double-check that it’s a perennial variety. If it’s an annual, it’s probably not worth the effort of transplanting. If it is a perennial, you can move it pretty much anytime. Here’s the game plan:
- No major soil prep is needed for the new spot.
- Dig a hole that’s slightly wider than the current pot.
- You can mix in a tiny bit of compost to help it get established, but don’t overdo it—remember, they like “poor” soil!
Pro Tip: If your poppy plant has gotten huge, the move is the perfect time to divide the root ball. It’s the easiest way to get “free” plants for other parts of your yard!
