Poppy Blue Himalayan (Meconopsis betonicifolia Blue Himalaya

wrightie you are so funny *lol*
The funny thing of this whole experiment is:

1. I have never had success growing anything from seed other than Datura
2. It specifically says not to use soil from outside when starting these and I did.
3. I never provided darkness for germination as I didn't read that I was supposed to until they had already germinated *lol*

SO....this truly has been an experiment big time!

The real hard part will come when it's time to move them out of their little Solo Home and harden them off. I'm a bit nervous about that!

I'll keep giving updates..........MAYBE, if I put them next to the window to start hardening off they will bloom inside? *lmao*

Kim

Green with envy ... I am using the winter sowing method and I nothing yet. I didn't know they were suppose to be kept in the dark -- does night time count as darkness or does it need complete darkness for an extended period of time?

I got a seedling from a friend last spring. She had good germination results using 100% peat moss.

I started mine inside in a room where the temperatures stay aournd 50 degrees. I have five germinated so far . . . I have now moved them downstairs and put them under lights. The basement is about 50 degrees.

Wow Seandor, you are growing yours MUCH cooler than mine. I worry about that a little.
Mine is on my light stand and the room stays around 70 or so.
Eventually I will move them to cooler conditions but a little at a time I think so that I don't send them into shock and lose them.
Today I moved them into a larger dome so that the leaves didn't touch.
Would love to see your baby pictures too :)

Fun isn't it?

Kim

Mine JUST sprouted - so still waiting for first "leaves" to emerge. As soon as I have something worthy of a picture, I will post it :-)

Funny, I am just about to start some of these myself, got them from Park Seeds, and came here looking for insight on the best way to do it.

Is it too late to wintersow? What kind of container do you recommend? I have a bunch of seed trays, both the kind you put soilless mix in, and the kind that take the little magic pop-up peat pellets (my kids love those just for the fun of wetting them the first time.) Maybe I should start some indoors and some outside, just to see the difference?

So. . .I need to pinch off the buds the first year? God, that is going to kill me. Maybe I'll plant extra, just so I can let a few bloom. Does that advice go only for poppies, or for perennials in general? I used to only do annuals, but have gotten more into perennials the past couple of years.

Any wisdom you all care to bestow on poor beginner me would be much appreciated! LOL Especially if it concerns how to protect your precious seedlings from two rambunctious boys, a cat with vegetal cravings, and a beagle that loves to tear through my beds. . .

Booker

I started some blue poppies a while ago.

They're tucked in under the eaves of the greenhouse, out of the way of the dogs, on the stand in a flat of pots of seed starter mix. they're under about 4 feet of snow, and an open plastic tray to keep out the birds/cats.....

I plan on ignoring them until....... the snow goes away.....

that may not be until June........


I've got a few more seeds tucked in the freezer, for the 'regular' attempt in the greenhouse......

oh, Booker, I've learned that it's helpful to learn to bellow, GET OUT OF THE FLOWERS! works on boys, cats and beagles...... lol

I have not seen seedlings of this particular one yet, but I have had wonderful results with Pink Peony Poppies and another variety that I can't think of right now. I was amazed at how well they did. I transplanted them last night to regular seed trays to continue growing, most of them already had 6-8 leaves. I planted them out in a milk jug around Christmas time and they germinated around the 1st of February. I plant all my WS stuff in regular potting soil. I better check on my jug tonight and see if the blue ones have germinated yet.

OH, the pink peony poppies are stunning... they come in red and a red/white picotee too..... I love that they will self seed, and show up as volunteers all around the garden next year....

fingers crossed for you dylancgc

I had three start to germinate in the house - only one seems to have survived so far. Luckily I have more seeds, so I will sow some more this weekend.

Green with envy here! I WS'd the blue and violet meconopsis in January and I spread the remaining seeds in the garden over the weekend. Watching & Praying for some signs of life!

Driven Bonkers:

LOL Had to read the last part of your post aloud to my son. Amazing--he fell off the couch, and the beagle scooted into the kitchen and hid under the table. I must have the tone of voice right. . .

Funny on the beagle--I planted a bed last year right where she used to run laps (silly me), and spent the summer hollering at her. When the plants were little, she'd leap over them, but once as she started to sail over the peonies I shouted at her and she tried to change direction in mid-leap. Pretty comical. Now she makes the approach at a run, looks to see if I'm watching, and will veer off at the last second if I'm paying attention. Little fart knows she's not supposed to run through there anymore. . .

Booker

Well, it's March 15th and I just saw a few Meconopsis betonicifolia Blue Himalaya sprouts that I winter sowed ... very exciting!!! I so have cabin fever ... spring is just 5 days away :)

I grew mine in the basement (since they don't like it to be too hot to grow) and had germination in less thatn 10 days-it is about 60-65 down there and they love it!!!

I've had no luck with any of mine so far... bummer.

Still no seedlings (OK, my lack of patience will be the downfall of my WS attempts!), but seeing as it's only been 6 days I guess I can hold out and have faith! LOL

On a positive note, I am getting all sorts of seedlings in the stuff I sowed inside: celosia, bunny tails grass, heirloom tomatoes, nemesia, nigelia, alyssum, and maybe the amaranthus, though they are tiny. I can't decide if it is making me more anxious about the seeds in the wintersown containers, or if it is giving me something to distract me and hold me over until those babies are good and ready to sprout.

Congratulations on all your sprouts :)

Update on the Blue Poppies:

They have been moved from the light stand to a large freezer bag and put in the window in bright, indirect light where I would think it's about 60 degrees during the day and maybe 50 at night to prepare them for the "real world".

Haven't seen much growth but haven't seen any decline either so we'll see.

Kim

I have mine in indirect ligt from the small basement window...

I still can't get through the snow to check on mine.........

Well, all my seedlings bit the dust - so I am starting again . . . sigh . . .

Oh Michaela, I am sorry, just remember they don't like it hot and I will cross my fingers fro your 2nd try that all goes well:)

Sorry to hear they perished Michaela.
Keep Trying and good luck on round 2 :)

Kim