Year of the Poppy

I’ve always liked poppies. I think it goes back to when I was a kid, watching the poppy scene in “The Wizard of Oz.” I can still hear that wicked witch, drawling out, “Poppies, beautiful poppies,” when she was about to put Dorothy and her friends to sleep so they couldn’t reach the Emerald City.

And so it is with pleasure that the National Garden Bureau has declared 2003 The Year of the Poppy. The National Garden Bureau is a non-profit organization that recognizes nationwide seed companies. Each year the organization singles out a flower and a vegetable. In two weeks, I’ll cover the organization’s vegetable of the year, the bean.

This is an especially appropriate time to write about poppies because most poppies can be planted right now. Yes, even with the cool weather still hanging aorund in some parts of California, poppies can be planted and will, in fact, thrive in spring in our area. Don’t fear frost because poppies can take light frosts. What they can’t take is hot weather, and poppies will die down by summer time. Don’t worry, though, because most poppies are perennials or self-seed themselves, so they’ll come up year after year.

When we think about poppies, most Californians automatically think of our state flower, the California golden poppy (Eschscholzia). However, there are many other types of poppies, including the Iceland poppy (Papaveraceae nudaucaule), the Oriental poppy (P. orientale), and the Flanders and Shirley poppies.

All will thrive in our area during cool weather, and most can easily be started by seed. You can, in fact, buy some of these poppies as already-started transplants. I bought several six packs of Iceland poppies last November and have had them blooming in my garden ever since. When transplanting already-started poppies, be careful about planting individual plants so their crown (center stem) is not buried. Planting too deep will lead to rot. Also be aware about spacing. Plant them at least six inches to a foot apart for good air circulation, avoiding the possibility of later problems with disease. One of the other benefits of poppies is that they’re easily started by seed and, therefore, are inexpensive. Again, be aware that they are known for self-sowing, sometimes with abandon, and you may find seedlings popping up all around the garden. Poppies aren’t invasive, though, and can be easily pulled up if they come up in unwanted places. You can buy poppy seed at your local garden center or order them by mail from retail seed companies.

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