Poppy Winter Care Methods and Precautions
The poppy (Papaver rhoeas, corn poppy) is a herbaceous plant native to Europe. It is cultivated throughout China and can be seen frequently; it is a first-rate ornamental plant. When the poppy blooms, its colors are rich, the petals are as thin as silk, smooth and flawless, and the corolla is as beautiful as red clouds. Its flowering period is very long. It can be grown in pots or used as a cut flower, and can likewise be planted in masses in flower beds and parks. The poppy is suited to growing in a well-ventilated environment with ample light. It is cold-hardy but not heat-tolerant, and is suitable for sowing in spring, autumn or early winter. Although the poppy is cold-hardy, frost damage can still occur under extremely cold winter conditions. Below, Qinong Web introduces for everyone: poppy winter care methods.
I. Growth Habits
Before introducing the methods for the poppy to overwinter safely, we should first understand the poppy's living habits. Only by understanding what kind of living environment the poppy likes can we provide it with the best care. The optimum temperature for the growth and development of the poppy is 5-25°C. In regions with high spring and summer temperatures, the flowering period is shortened, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Low nighttime temperatures are favorable for growth and flowering. It grows well in high-altitude mountain areas, and its flower colors are even more brilliant. Its lifespan is 3-5 years. It is cold-hardy, afraid of summer heat, likes a sunny environment, and likes well-drained, fertile sandy loam. It does not tolerate transplanting and is averse to waterlogging.
II. Light
Most flowers need a certain amount of light to bloom successfully, and the poppy is no exception. The poppy likes light, and during the growing period it requires sufficient light, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day. Light has a very large effect on the flowering period and the flowers. With sufficient light, the flowering period comes earlier, the flowers are large, and the colors are vivid. If there is insufficient light, the flowering period will be delayed; otherwise, the flowers that grow will also look malnourished.
III. Temperature
As mentioned earlier, the poppy is cold-hardy but not heat-tolerant. The poppy is indeed a relatively cold-hardy plant. It likes coolness and avoids high temperatures. In the south, there is no need to worry about frost damage at all. In the north, those kept indoors need not worry; those kept outdoors can be covered with a layer of plastic film, which can be removed when spring comes.
IV. Water
The poppy is relatively tolerant of dryness and drought, but not of waterlogging. During the growth period, watering should not be excessive; it is best to keep the soil moist. Unless it is very dry, there is no need to water. However, excessive drought will delay flowering and affect quality. Water less during overwintering, and water more during the spring growing period.
V. Fertilizing
Fertilizer is also one of the indispensable conditions for the poppy to grow well. Before the poppy blooms, a thin liquid fertilizer should be applied 1-2 times. After budding, spray the leaves once every 3 days with a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution to force flowering. Fertilizing must not be excessive, otherwise the plants will grow leggy, and if too tall they will also easily lodge.
VI. Pruning
Pruning the poppy mainly serves two purposes. One is for overall beauty and elegance, so excess branches and leaves are cut off. The other is so that nutrients can be concentrated and not consumed excessively by the extra parts, so the poppy needs pruning. If the faded flowers of the poppy are cut off promptly when the flowers fade, preventing the faded flowers from setting seed, nutrients can be concentrated, and the later flowers can grow strong, thereby extending the flowering period.
The above are the overwintering techniques related to the poppy prepared for everyone by Qinong Web. Besides being beautiful, the poppy is also a very good traditional Chinese medicine; the whole plant can be used as medicine. The poppy contains a variety of alkaloids and has effects such as relieving cough, stopping diarrhea, relieving pain and calming the nerves. The poppy lives up to its name and is sought after by many people. Although the poppy belongs to the Papaver genus in the Papaveraceae family, it can be grown!