by KYW's Fran Sorin

If you‘d love your garden to be filled with poppies this spring, here are some simple tips on sowing them directly in the garden.

The poppies that I am talking about are the annual strains of Papaver such as Somniferum, Giganteum and others. They need loose soil, preferably 3 inches of it. Use a pick or fork to work the soil, making sure that all rocks are removed.

Because poppy seeds are so small, the best way to sow them is to sprinkle them on top of the soil.  Mix the seeds in with some sand to thin out before sprinkling them onto the soil. Tamp soil down.  Poppies do not like to be transplanted so be sure to sow the seeds where you want the flowers to be.

Contact Fran Sorin at fransorin.com.