Only perennial plants need regular pruning. This also includes some varieties of the popular garden poppy. Some of them are even suitable as cut flowers for the vase. However, the classic corn poppy, also known as wild poppy, is not one of them.
How do I cut poppies for the vase and perennial varieties?
Poppies for the vase should be cut as budded as possible, ideally in the early morning. Perennial varieties, such as Turkish poppies, require pruning to around 10 cm in autumn, whereby the cuttings can be used as winter protection.
Cut poppies for the vase
To ensure that your poppies last in the vase for a long time, it is best to cut them early in the morning. Look for buds or flowers that are not yet fully open. Corn poppies fade after just one day, other species last a little longer. If you briefly hold the stems of the freshly cut flowers under hot water, you will enjoy the flowers for longer.
Winter pruning of perennial poppies
If you have decided to plant Turkish poppies, then plan to cut back your poppy in the fall. Cut the above-ground parts of the plant back to around 10 cm. You can use the clippings immediately as winter protection. If it's not enough, then cover your poppy with a thick layer of leaves or brushwood.
Not only frost can damage poppies, but also too much moisture. Water your poppies only moderately during the flowering period and not at all in winter. Also make sure that your plants don't get too much rain. The layer of leaves or brushwood also protects it from this. The Icelandic poppy is also one of the perennial varieties.
The most important things in brief:
- Cut as close as possible to the vase
- Turkish poppies are best suited as cut flowers
- Put briefly in hot water to extend the lifespan
- autumnal pruning for perennial varieties
- Winter protection against frost and moisture
Tips & Tricks
Turkish poppy is most suitable as a cut flower. Cut it when it has buds and place it briefly in hot water. The flowers last up to three weeks.
