Many only know the red poppy. But there is also the yellow golden poppy. This one thrives best when you prefer it. This is possible from February and is really child's play.
In principle, you can sow golden poppy, also known as Californian poppy or sleepyhead, like any other type of poppy directly in the field. However, the plants will be more resilient and willing to bloom if you prefer the golden poppy indoors from March. It only takes a little more effort, but the golden poppy flowers reliably and plentifully in the first year. Especially if your garden soil is very acidic, poppy plants have a hard time, as they prefer dry, rather barren soil. Especially in this case, it makes sense if you pre-cultivate the golden poppy and place the young plants in large tubs or window boxes.
Reading tip: Are poppies allowed in the garden?
How to properly prepare the golden poppy
For outdoor sowing you have to wait until the weather cooperates. Indoors, on the other hand, sow from February to April. Proceed as follows:
❶ Use wide, large pots so that you can easily remove the young plants later. You have to fill these pots with nutrient-poor potting soil.
❷ Now place three to five seeds in small groups on the substrate. Leave about 30 centimeters between the seeds. Then press the seeds a little into the soil and water gently.
❸ Then place the pots in a bright spot and always keep the soil slightly moist.
❹ The seeds will germinate after about 10 to 14 days. If there are too many seedlings in one spot, separate the young plants.
❺ After the seeds have sprouted, brightness is especially important. But beware of too much sun! Use the space at an east or west window for the golden poppies. The midday sun is often too aggressive on the south window. Too much heat is not good either, because then the tender plants grow too quickly. A temperature of 16 to 20 degrees is favorable.
❻ From a size of 15 centimeters, the plants are strong enough and have a sufficiently large root ball so that you can place the golden poppy plants in separate potsor pots.
❼ After the ice saints, it's the right time to move outside. Either the plants stay in the tub or you place the golden poppies directly in the garden. The golden poppy prefers sandy, loose and nutrient-poor soil. Water the young plants outdoors rather infrequently. Fertilizer is not necessary.
Forgot the sowing date? Golden poppies will still grow later!
Don't worry if you don't plant the golden poppies or California poppies until after April. You can put the pre-cultivated plants outside until September and overwinter them outside without any problems. Next year the plants will delight you with many beautiful flowers.