Oriental poppies in So Cal

[cpp gardener]

Does anyone out there have any experience growing Oriental Poppies in So Cal? I've been gifted with 3 6-packs that I need to find a home for and I've avoided planting them before because the books say it doesn't grow well here. So, who's been crazy enough to grow them, how well did they do, and what kind of conditions did they do best in?
Help me push the envelope of what's possible and impress the doubtful !

 

[LouisFerdinand]

I have planted Oriental Poppies.

Growing Oriental Poppies: Tips On How To Grow Oriental Poppy

Oriental poppy plants have remained a garden favorite ever since. Once planted, they require no special care and will last for many years. Read this article for tips on growing oriental poppy plants.

www.gardeningknowhow.com

 

[cpp gardener]

I was hoping someone in Southern California would give me some hints for this area. I know they grow well in areas that get a winter and aren't 100+ during the summer but that ain't here.

 

[cpp gardener]

Okay, a little update on the poppies. 3 of them have survived 115 several times, missed getting sprayed with Round-up and avoided snails. So now we get to wait until next spring to see if they bloom as spectacularly as they do in other, more hospitable climates.

 

[cpp gardener]

Well, a little disaster. Despite my alerts to the team, Round-up and vigorous weed-pulling have managed to eliminate the last one. I guess I'll have to try again next year.

 

[LouisFerdinand]

@cpp gardener, How soon next year can you plant poppies?

 

[cpp gardener]

Possibly as early as March. It depends on availability from bedding plant growers. We don't have a 'plan' for them, I just got them last year from a donation.

 

[LouisFerdinand]

Burning Heart Oriental Poppies have rose-pink blooms with dark red centers.
https://flic.kr/p/HDr6Ps

 

[cpp gardener]

Well, it looks like my announcement was premature. One poppy managed to survive! It must have been mostly dormant when it got sprayed and has come back, almost from the dead. I showed it to the lead gardener of that area and flagged it, so now it just needs some fertilizer and time to show what it’s capable of.

 

[LouisFerdinand]

Well, it looks like my announcement was premature. One poppy managed to survive! It must have been mostly dormant when it got sprayed and has come back, almost from the dead. I showed it to the lead gardener of that area and flagged it, so now it just needs some fertilizer and time to show what it’s capable of.

Congratulations! A Poppy is a majestic flower.