Papaver orientale (Fall-Planted)

Fall-planted oriental poppy bulbs for the home garden

Few flowers catch and hold attention like Papaver orientale—also known as Oriental poppy. The plants bloom in late May in some regions, sending up strong, striking flowers two to three feet high. These beauties bloom in early summer, right after spring bulbs and before warm-season annuals. Native to Eurasia, papaver orientale boasts papery, cup-shaped blooms that pollinators love.

Grow Poppies from seeds or roots

The plant can be grown from seed, but Eden Brothers also offers seven varieties of fall-planted rootstock as a sure way to establish this perennial in the garden. Papaver orientale thrives in cold weather and is best suited to zones 3-9. Autumn is an ideal time to plant papaver orientale, as the roots go dormant at this time.

For fall-planted Papaver orientale, pick a site that receives full sun. Amend the soil with compost, peat moss, or sand to promote good drainage. Dig a hole at least 10 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the papaver rootstock with 3 inches of soil covering the top of the plant. Be careful not to overwater poppies, as they prefer drier soils.

When to harvest papaver oriental blooms

Papaver orientale’s papery, cup-shaped blooms make for a regal cut flower bouquet. Papaver orientale blooms are at the perfect stage for harvesting when the buds are “cracked,” or have just begun to open and show color. For the longest vase life, dunk freshly cut stems in boiling water or burn the tips briefly with a propane torch. Deadhead spent blooms frequently to get the most cuts out of your plants, but leave some seed pods to use in dried arrangements, too!

Papaver orientale makes a lovely companion plant for your vegetable garden, as the flowers attract pollinators and deter deer and rabbits. Poppies are a versatile group of plants that are at home in the field or in a container garden, and poppies need very little fertilizer—they actually prefer poor soil.

Whether you intend to grow Papaver orientale as a decorative plant or as a cut flower, this plant holds a myriad of benefits for your garden. Eden Brothers has no shortage of isolated colors and mixes to choose from—stagger a few different varieties to have a colorful display all summer long.

Your guide to planting papaver oriental bulbs

For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting fall-planted papaver orientale roots, see the Papaver Orientale Bulbs Planting Guide.