How to grow corn poppy seeds? Sowing time and method guide

The corn poppy is an herbaceous plant, currently found in some parts of our country, and its ornamental value is very high, which is why it attracts so many people to grow it. However, most people are not very clear about its growing techniques when planting it, so let's take a look below!

How to grow corn poppy seeds

1. Site selection: The corn poppy likes places with plenty of light and good ventilation. It is cold-tolerant but not tolerant of moisture or heat. It should not be planted in overly fertile soil, should not be grown in successive cropping, and should not be raised or planted in low-lying, damp places with heavy water and fertilizer or poor light, otherwise it will grow poorly and is also prone to disease. It is not strict about soil, but loose, fertile sandy loam is best.

2. Pot culture: For potted corn poppies, in January use a flower pot with an inner diameter of 20 cm, fill it more than half full with loose old pot soil, press it level, scatter 20 to 30 seeds, cover with soil just until the seeds are no longer visible, and after sowing, soak the pot in water so it seeps through.

3. Thinning: The corn poppy is usually grown as a biennial. When the seedlings have 5 to 6 leaves, thin them out, with a general spacing of 30×30 cm between plants and rows. The corn poppy does not tolerate transplanting, so direct sowing in the garden bed is best.

4. Fertilizing: Corn poppies are usually given 2 to 3 applications of dilute liquid fertilizer before flowering, but fertilizer must not be applied too much, otherwise pests and diseases are likely to occur. For field-grown plants, apply thin fertilizer twice before overwintering, and apply liquid fertilizer once more before flowering. Apply the last topdressing before flowering to encourage large, brightly colored flowers and vigorous blooming.

5. Watering: During the seedling growth period of the corn poppy, do not water too much, but keep the soil moist. Field-grown plants generally do not need frequent watering. For potted plants, water once every 3 to 5 days depending on the weather and the pot soil conditions; about 60% of the field soil's maximum water-holding capacity is better for the development of the corn poppy. Water less during overwintering, and water more during spring growth.

When to sow corn poppies (planting time)

Its planting time is generally early spring each year, that is, February or March, which is when the soil has just thawed. There are reasons for planting at this time. Because it is a sun-loving plant, it likes warm weather. At this time the temperature rises, the weather is relatively warm, and there is sunlight. Second, it is not very drought-tolerant. In early spring there is still snow, and after the snow thaws it forms a natural water resource to ensure its growth. Even if it is slightly cold in early spring, that is not a big problem. Because the corn poppy has a very notable characteristic, which is cold tolerance.

Notes on growing corn poppies

1. It should not be planted in overly fertile soil, and should not be grown in successive cropping.

2. It should not be raised or planted in low-lying, damp places with heavy water and fertilizer or poor light, otherwise it will grow poorly and is also prone to disease.

3. Water less during overwintering, and water more during the spring growth period. During the seedling growth period, do not water too much, but keep the soil moist.

Corn poppy pests and diseases and control methods

1. Bacterial spot. Control method: Remove the affected leaves, pull up the affected plants and burn them; they must never be buried. Collect seeds from disease-free plants, and soak any suspicious seeds in warm water before sowing. First soak the seeds in cold water for 7 hours, then soak them in warm water at 49°C for 5 minutes, then place them in warm water at 54°C for 5 minutes, and finally cool them in water. Do not let the corn poppy growing plot or flower pots become hot and humid with poor ventilation, and note that fertilizer should not be applied too much.

2. Corn poppy insect pests. Symptoms and causes: Corn poppies rarely suffer from pests and diseases, but sometimes they are harmed by scarab larvae and scale insects. Control method: If insect pests are found, the following insecticide treatment can be used. Spray with a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate, spraying twice at intervals of 7 days.

Growing corn poppies can begin with site selection; seed selection and seedling raising are the preliminary preparation work, and then an appropriate time is chosen for sowing, with early spring generally being the most suitable. After planting, field management needs to be strengthened, and pest and disease control is an essential task. Only by doing these well can it grow vigorously.