Growing Allegro Oriental Poppy Garden Seeds

Allegro Oriental poppy seeds are frost tolerant and can be sown directly outdoors in either late fall or early spring. Oriental poppy seeds have a wildflower growth habit and can be broadcasted similarly. Blend 1 part poppy seed to 5 parts sand to increase visibility during sowing and lightly rake and tamp. For earliest spring blooms, begin Allegro Oriental poppy seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior and transplant to either indoors or out. Whether sowing indoors or out, lightly cover 2-3 Allegro Oriental poppy seeds 8" apart in Organically rich, fertile, medium moisture, and well-drained soil in full sun, or broadcast the seed-sand mix directly. Although Allegro Oriental poppy seeds thrive in many full-sun gardens, they will not perform well in high humidity and prolonged summer heat. Poppies are susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew, and botrytis fungus in wet and poorly drained soils. Oriental poppies have no serious pests or diseases. Allegro Oriental poppy seeds mature in 112-126 days as 16-24" dwarfed mounds with a 12-15" spread and one enormous 8-10" cup-shaped scarlet bloom.

Papaver orientale, or the Oriental poppy, is native to northeastern Turkey and Iran and dry regions of Georgia and Azerbaijan's Caucasus mountains. Widespread crossing and hybridizing of the Papaver orientale during the 19th Century has lead to an abundance of colors and intensities available to the contemporary Oriental poppy gardener.