oriental poppy

Oriental poppy plants should be watered once every 7-10 days, providing approximately 1-2 inches of water each time. Water down to the roots to make sure the entire soil is moist, and if possible, water in the morning so the moisture has time to be absorbed throughout the day. During hot, dry weather, it is important to water the plant more frequently to keep the soil from drying out.

Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale 'Turkenlouis') is a hardy perennial plant that requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, ideally from the early morning until mid-afternoon. In areas with intense heat, the plants may benefit from some afternoon shade. It is ideal to choose a spot that is sheltered from high winds that could cause the flower stems to bend or break.

Oriental poppies should be pruned lightly after blooming is finished. This can be done by cutting off the spent flower heads, pinching the top of the garden plants to promote bushier growth, and removing any dead foliage or stems. It is also important to deadhead regularly during the blooming season to help encourage more flowers. It is safe to trim off up to 1-third of the entire plant at the end of the blooming season. If the plant becomes crowded or overgrown, it can be pruned back to the ground or cut down by half.