While poppies are generally not a fan of being transplanted and prefer to be direct-sown, it is possible to grow them as transplants with specific care. The most critical aspect of transplanting poppies, especially when they are seedlings in trays, is the watering technique.
Understanding Poppy Transplant Sensitivity
Poppies are known for disliking root disturbance. Their delicate root systems can be easily damaged during the transplanting process, which often leads to transplant shock or failure. This is why direct sowing is frequently recommended as the preferred method for establishing poppies. However, for those who wish to start them indoors or in trays for a head start, careful handling and a specific watering method can increase success rates.
The Essential Technique: Bottom Watering
When growing poppies as transplants in trays, bottom watering is crucial. This technique prevents the tiny seeds or delicate seedlings from being washed away by overhead watering, which can easily happen due to their small size and shallow rooting.
How to Bottom Water Poppy Trays:
- Prepare a Pan: Find a shallow pan or tray larger than your seedling tray.
- Place the Tray: Carefully set your poppy seedling tray into the pan of water.
- Add Water: Pour water into the pan, allowing it to be absorbed upwards through the drainage holes at the bottom of the seedling tray.
- Observe Absorption: The soil will wick up the water from below. Continue adding water to the pan until the top surface of the soil in the seedling tray appears moist.
- Remove Excess: Once the soil is adequately moist, remove the seedling tray from the pan and allow any excess water to drain away. Do not let the tray sit in standing water for extended periods, as this can lead to root rot.
This method ensures the soil is thoroughly moistened without disturbing the fragile seedlings or dislodging the minuscule seeds.
General Tips for Transplanting Poppies
Beyond bottom watering, consider these general best practices for giving your poppy transplants the best chance:
- Timing: Transplant seedlings when they are very young, ideally with only 1-2 sets of true leaves, to minimize root disturbance.
- Handle with Care: Always handle poppy seedlings by their leaves or soil plug, never by their delicate stems, as they are prone to damage.
- Container Choice: Start seeds in biodegradable pots or trays with individual cells, which can reduce transplant shock by allowing you to plant the entire pot or slide the root ball out with minimal disruption.
- Hardening Off: Before moving indoor-grown transplants outdoors permanently, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions (sun, wind, temperature fluctuations) over a period of 7-10 days. This process, known as hardening off, helps them adjust to their new environment.
- Planting Location: Choose a final planting location with well-draining soil and ample sunlight, mimicking their preferred growing conditions.
Direct Sowing vs. Transplanting Poppies
| Feature | Direct Sowing | Transplanting (with care) |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | Generally less labor-intensive after sowing | Requires more initial effort and careful handling |
| Root Disturbance | Minimal to none | High risk if not done correctly |
| Watering | Can be overhead, but gentle misting for tiny seeds | Requires bottom watering in trays |
| Germination | Dependent on outdoor conditions | Can be started in controlled indoor environments |
| Survival Rate | Typically higher for poppies | Potentially lower due to sensitivity, but possible |
By understanding their sensitivity and employing the essential bottom-watering technique for seedlings grown in trays, you can successfully transplant poppies despite their preference for direct sowing.
