The enchanting Blue Poppy (Meconopsis)

Soil preparation is the single most important factor. Blue Poppies demand a rich well draining soil in an area of partial shade. If planting a single plant, dig a large hole about 18 inches by 18 inches deep. Mix one part compost or well rotted manure, one part fine bark mulch (composted for 2 – 3 months, if possible), and two parts original soil. Fill your planting hole with this mixture and add a balanced organic fertilizer or other slow release fertilizer. If you are creating a larger planting of three or more plants, prepare a planting bed by spreading 2 – 3 inches of compost or rotted manure and 2 – 3 inches of fine bark mulch, and dig into the soil to a depth of 18 inches. Work slow release fertilizer or organic fertilizer into the top 3 – 6 inches. Gently loosen the roots of the poppy and place at the same depth the plants were in the pots. We recommend installing plants rather than trying to start Meconopsis from seed. Seed must be very fresh to be successful.