Poppy 'Ladybird'

3000 seeds

How to Seed Poppy ‘Ladybird’ (Papaver commutatum)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when temperatures range between 15–25°C (59–77°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for early transplanting.

   • Avoid sowing from April to September, as Gulf heat prevents germination and causes weak growth.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds on the soil surface — do not cover, as poppy seeds need light to germinate.
   Gently press them into the soil and mist lightly with water.

3. Soil:
   Prefers light, well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% sandy soil + 30% garden soil + 20% peat moss + 10% compost.
   Avoid rich or heavy soils; too much fertility produces more leaves and fewer flowers.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 15–20°C (59–68°F).

   • Requires full sun for best flowering.

   • In the Gulf, full morning sun and light afternoon shade give the best results.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 10–20 days under cool, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • Poppies dislike root disturbance, so direct sowing is preferred.

   • If sown in trays, transplant very carefully when seedlings are 5–7 cm tall.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart for healthy air circulation and flowering.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Needs full sun and cool weather to bloom abundantly.

   • Watering: Keep soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. Water early morning or evening.

   • Feeding: Lightly fertilize every 3–4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

   • Maintenance: Remove faded blooms to extend the flowering period.

   • The ‘Ladybird’ Poppy produces bright scarlet-red petals with deep black centers, resembling a ladybird — perfect for beds, borders, and cut flowers.

   • Blooms from late winter through early summer in Gulf conditions.