poppies in the snow?

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Janiejoy Silver Lake, OH(Zone 5b) Dec 27, 2002

Hi,

Doesn't it say somewhere to plant poppy seeds by shaking them out onto the snow on Christmas Day?

What seeds need to be planted by shaking them onto the snow, in other words?

Need your wisdom!

Thanks
janie

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Evert Helsinki, Finland(Zone 4b) Dec 27, 2002

Isn't it a bit insecure, some birds might have a big party after you've shaked all your poppy seeds on the snow ;)

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Weezingreens Seward, AK(Zone 3b) Dec 28, 2002

I think Evert might be right about the birds. They'd be thrilled to find birdseed lying there for the taking! I know that most poppy heads form holes along the top as they ripen. Once the holes are formed, the seeds begin to dry. You can rattle a seed pod and hear them bouncing around. In the fall, as the wind blows, the seeds can be spread as they spill.

Of course, there is always the possibility that birds eat seeds in the snow, then spread the seeds in their droppings to germinate when the temps warm up in the spring... and with added fertilizer!

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lupinelover Grove City, OH(Zone 6a) Dec 29, 2002

;) Don't know about shaking them onto the snow on Christmas Day. What about those of us who seldom have a White Christmas? But I think the point of that folklore is that if they are planted on top of snow, they won't be buried: they are tiny and need light to germinate, as well as moisture.

Larkspurs and sweet alyssum also do great if you plant them in late fall or early winter: they germinate best in cold soil and get off to a good start in a warm winter spell.

Spinach and lettuce also thrive if planted that way in the veggie garden. They are said to be extra-succulent as they absorb all that snow and ice.

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