Poppies Papavers for butterflies or hummingbirds??

Hi, butterfly fanciers,

I always love to see poppies in the spring time around here but have never had great success with growing them.

I would try harder, though, if someone told me if they had any value for the butterflies, hummers or other pollinators? (I rarely see them mentioned on this board.)

I have read that some poppies make no nectar, then I read in other sources that they are good for pollinators....?

Can anyone please explain a little about what is what and which ones to grow for wildlife??

Thanks, t.

Don't think I have seen my hummingbirds or butterflies on poppies. My annual poppies bloom in June before butterflies peak. Here in upstate NY, also your zone, I get good poppies by sowing in very late fall or early spring. Soil must be cool for germination and early growth. Since the seeds are so tiny the soil surface must be well worked to avoid a crust, adding organic matter if you have heavy clay. Melting snow and spring rains are usually enough to wash them into crevices so no need to cover them. You can collect the seed pods as they dry to sow in other spots or let them reseed at will. You'll be surprised at how tough these fragile looking beauties are once started.

Thanks Irishmist.

I'm glad to read your poppy endorsement. Are yours the orange kind? I'm not at all sure of which kind are what I want.

I do see orange/red ones around here once in a while but never see the pastels or rose colored ones. I assume they are a different breed...?

(It's amazing that Rochester NY is in the same zone as Cincinnati. You must get some 'lake effect'?)

t.

My climate is modified by Lake Ontario so I do push the limits of the microclimates on my property. I have a few very hardy perennials, (yarrow, daylilies, coneflower, columbine and a blueberry bush) which have survived in pots on my deck where they get snow cover but little wind. I have a variety of annual and biennial poppies both single and double which self sow, in many beautiful colors both pastel and bold colors. Any that appear in unwanted places are easily removed but they don't generally transplant well. Another of my favorites is the annual California poppy which now comes in a variety of colors in addition to the native gold/orange. Several online companies have a nice selection, e.g., dianeseed, Select Seeds in CT, Renee's Garden Seeds and Thompson and Morgan. The big orange/red poppies are perennial Oriental poppies and they also come in a beautiful coral shade called Coral Reef. White Flower Farm used to carry those. None of mine are Orientals. Hope this helps.

Thanks, Irish,

Yes, your info helps a lot. I will look up the seed sites for additional info.

You make it sound EZ to grow them! t.