How to Grow Himalayan Blue Poppy

Meconopsis Germination Information

Meconopsis is the botanical name for Himalayan Blue Poppy
How to Sow Meconopsis:

• Sow indoors at alternating temperatures of 55 and 72°
• Seeds will germinate in 20-25 days
• When seeds are sown in fall, they must be over wintered in a cold frame or cool greenhouse
• Seeds may be sown outdoors in late fall or early spring for late spring germination
• If sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed

How to Grow Meconopsis:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space plants 12-15 inches apart in partial to full shade

Soil: Soil should be acidic, moist (but well-drained), humus-rich, and cool. Wet feet are to be avoided during the winter, but mulch should be applied during the summer to keep the soil moist and cool

Temperature: Plants don't do well in climates with hot summers and hot, drying winds

Additional Care: Plants can be hard to get started and are often grown as short-lived perennials or as annuals

Appearance and Use:

Woodland garden and shady borders suit it best, but it can be grown in rock gardens in areas with cool summers. Flowers look like poppies in shape and texture but are a true blue with a center of golden stamens. Plants grow 5-6 feet tall and are clothed in hairy, bluish green leaves and are smothered in the blue flowers

About Meconopsis:
Pronunciation:  me-ko-nop’sis bet-on-i-ci-fo’le-å
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Papaveraceae; native to China and Tibet
Common Name: Himalayan Blue Poppy