When Carolee from herbalblessingsblog mentioned back in winter that you could sprinkle poppy seeds on cold frozen ground, I decided to try it. In March, I bought a packet of seeds called Poppy Corn ‘Shirley Single Blend’ and threw them on top of the frozen dirt of a raised bed and waited to see what would happen.
To my amazement, some time in April, they sprouted . . . it seemed like millions of them. Somewhere along the way, I should have thinned them, but I was in awe of these tiny plants growing in the cold spring dirt, and I let them be.
Well, fast forward to late May, and I have hundreds of hairy, thistle-like poppies twisting and turning, dancing to music only they can hear.
Day after day I watched them with their drooping heads, but still dancing.
And then one opened . . . shy at first.
And was she a beauty.
And the next day, another opened.
And another . . .
and another.
And pretty soon . . . there was a party going on.
Dancing and twirling, skirts ruffling in the wind.
Some are not so shy . . . throwing off all restraint as they dance.
And some are simply provocative.
And every evening after work, I rush out to see who has come to join the party. Such sweet and simple joy . . . all for $1.79 . . . the price of a pack of seeds.
“Life is good, wild and sweet, let the music play on.” – lyrics from All Night Long
They are gorgeous Cindy! I’m going to try that frozen ground trick next winter! 🙂
It doesn’t get any easier than this. I also sowed Love in a Mist and Larkspur this way and they are growing along well, but not blooming yet. Next time, I’ll prepare the bed in the fall and add compost, since in February/March our ground is still frozen pretty solid for adding any supplements.
How pretty Cindy, and mostly pink I see! I’ve tried that scattering system with poppies but have only a limited success. Perhaps it wasn’t cold enough…or wet enough.
Carolee said she was late getting hers out, that usually she scatters them in February. I guess the seeds need some freezing and thawing temps for germination and she was hoping March wasn’t too late. She also suggested sowing Love in a Mist, and Larkspur this way too. They have also come up, but are not blooming yet.
I’ve Nigella everywhere, so many I’m thinning them by the handful!
So the good news is, you only have to plant once?
That’s correct. What’s not to love about that? 😊
Wow! Such a simple pleasure that brings endless joy! 🙂 These are absolutely stunning. You can’t help but smile looking out upon such perfect creation. Thank you for brightening our days by sharing them! ♥
Thank you Holly. They have given me so much joy I can hardly wait to get out to the garden to visit them and drink in their beauty.
I emailed you regarding following you. I can’t find any follow button. Could you tell me how to get on your follow list so I get your posts?
Hi Cindy! It blesses my soul to hear the love you have for your garden. I hope each day it truly does bring peace and joy to your heart, even on the toughest days.
I unfortunately didn’t receive your email. I’m wondering why? :I May I ask which site you were wanting to follow? Sending you lots of love & happiness this beautiful day! 🙂
Pure joy! And that $1.79 will give you oodles of seed to sow for next year, too. Isn’t nature so amazing?!
They were a deal indeed and pretty much take care of themselves. My kind of flowers and the bees are gorging on them.
Fantastic value – they have a wonderful curl.