GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Poppy

Papaver

Hardiness
H6 Hardy — very cold winter (to −20 to −15°C)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height × Spread
15–75 cm × 30 cm
Soil
well-drained / dry
Flowering
June–August
Toxicity
The stems contain a milky latex that may cause skin irritation

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🌱 Sow
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower
✂️ Prune

Watch out for

Aphids: Squash by hand or spray with a strong jet of water; use insecticidal soap if infestations are severe.

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering; treat with a fungicide if necessary.

Downy mildew: Remove affected foliage immediately and ensure good drainage to reduce humidity around the plant base.

Verticillium wilt: Remove and destroy infected plants; avoid replanting poppies or related species in the same soil.

Slugs and snails: Use physical barriers like copper tape or eggshells, or apply iron phosphate-based slug pellets.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/poppy © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia