Papaver somniferum

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

Spring-Autumn · Planting

Trim dead flowers to prevent self-seeding

Note on self-seeding: If you do not want this plant to set seed it is necessary to promptly remove the spent flowers as they fade.

It's possible to carefully remove the seed heads, complete with seed, and then place them in areas where you would like new seedlings to grow.

Summer - early · Outdoors

Feed a general fertiliser

Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.

Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.

Compost · Planting

Multi-purpose compost

Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.