Annual poppy, such as the wild poppy or corn poppy, does not require any pruning. The plants can be disposed of in the compost immediately after flowering. However, the situation is different with perennial poppy plants.
How and when should you cut back poppies?
When cutting back poppies, the procedure depends on the variety: Annual poppies do not require pruning, while perennial poppies can be carefully cut back after flowering. Turk's poppies should be shortened just above ground level in late autumn.
The best time
Turkish poppy is a perennial variety. It should be cut back to just above the ground in late autumn. To protect against frost, you can place the clippings over the plant. Brushwood and leaves are also suitable as winter protection for your poppy. In addition to protecting your poppies from frost, you can also protect them from too much rain, as poppies don't like moisture at all.
If you disturb the wilted inflorescences, you can also prune your poppy directly after flowering. But don't go too radically, because poppies constantly produce new flowers during the flowering period.
The dried seed capsules are ideal as autumn and winter decorations for your home. When it comes to craft or florist supplies, a lot of money is sometimes paid for them. The seeds can usually be easily shaken out of the ripe capsules. They can then be sown next spring.
Is the poppy suitable for the vase?
Unfortunately, poppies are not particularly suitable as cut flowers because the flowers wilt after just a few days, even in the vase. However, there is a trick to extend the life of the flowers a little. Cut the poppy seeds before the flowers have fully opened and dip the cut surfaces of the stems briefly in hot water.
The most important things in brief:
- Poppy is only partially suitable as a cut flower
- dried seed pods popular decorative pieces
- careful pruning after flowering
Tips & Tricks
Cut back your poppy immediately after flowering, then the seeds will not ripen. Leave a few inflorescences and the poppy will self-seed or you can collect the seeds and sow them elsewhere.
