Everyone has to start out somewhere, and whether you’re taking up a new hobby or a new job, it’s great to get off on a positive track. There’s nothing worse than starting to explore a new passion only to fail, an experience which will often prevent you from trying again. For this reason poppies are absolutely wonderful for starter gardeners. They are easy to grow, will thrive in most settings, and reward just a tiny amount of care with an abundance of color through the summer season.

Whilst some poppy varieties, specifically those in the Meconopsis family, can be hard to grow, most poppies are incredibly easy. California and Papaver somniferum plants in particular will thrive in some of the poorest of soil types. They also provide lots of blooms and garden interest throughout the year, transforming any dull garden into a vibrant oasis. Seeds germinate readily, whether started in pots or simply scattered straight into a garden, and little care is needed other than watering to ensure that plants grow up large and strong. And with a huge range of Papaver somniferum varieties on offer you can always find a color perfect for your taste.

If you want to start gardening with a plant which is easy to grow and will reward you with beautiful blooms then poppies are ideal. And with these wonderful poppies easily creating a thriving mass of cheering blooms for you to enjoy through the months, you will see your passion for gardening growing alongside your plants.

If you want to discover more about poppy seeds and purchase the perfect variety for your garden head over to One Stop Poppy Shoppe.

The 5 most important tips for growing Papaver somniferum seeds are:

1. Plant directly into the garden in very early spring or late fall.

2. Do not bury the seed. Simply scatter them onto the soil, then firm the soil by walking on it.

3. Do not use any form of chemical pesticides, fertilizers or weed suppressors.

4. Give plenty of moisture until the seedlings are 6-10 inches tall.

5. Always use a snail/slug bait. This can be purchased at your local home center. They are safe for pets and humans. For organic gardens, use jar lids with beer in them as an attractant. That will fix those little varmits!