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| Meconopsis | Common name; Himalayan Blue poppy |
Mecanopsis can take from 2-4 years to become established and flower.
Any flower stems produced in the first year after planting should be removed before flowering otherwise the plants may die afterwards.
They generally live up to four years before they die and need replacing.
Dead head regularly, to prolong the flowering period.
Cut plants down to ground level after the leaves fade.
Week 9; Sow on the surface of seed compost* preferably in celltrays and germinate at a temperature of 18°C (64°F).
Note; using celltrays can cause less root damage when pricking out!
*The fine seed is prone to drying out or, in wet conditions, damping off, so mix the seed compost with perlite at a ratio of two parts seed compost with one part dampened perlite.
After germination, place the celltray in a shaded cold frame until the seedlings are large enough to prick out.
n.b. If seedlings don't emerge within three weeks give them a period of two to three weeks at 4°C (40°F) then return to a temperature of 18°C(64°F).
Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle into individual pots and grow on until planting out time in September-October.
Week 16; Plant out overwintered plants, weather permitting, in rich, deep, fertile soil which is moist but free draining 600mm (24") apart in a cool, sheltered position, preferably in semi-shade.
They like to be kept well watered through out the summer but do not like wet, soggy soil in winter.
Week 18: Apply a heavy mulch each spring.
Week 31; Collect seed as soon as they are ready and sow on the surface of seed compost* preferably in celltrays, and germinate at a temperature of 16°C(60°F).
Note; using celltrays can cause less root damage when pricking out!
*The fine seed is prone to drying out or, in wet conditions, damping off, so mix the seed compost with perlite at a ratio of two parts seed compost with one part dampened perlite.
After germination, place the celltrays in a shaded cold frame until the seedlings are large enough to prick out.
Prick out when large enough to handle and overwinter the pots, in a cool greenhouse or cold frame until planting out time.
n.b. Seed grown plants may not come true to type or colour
Week 35; Plant out spring sown plants in rich, deep, fertile soil which is moist but free draining 600mm (24") apart in a cool, sheltered position, preferably in semi-shade.
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