Patty's Plum Poppy Papaver (Oriental Group) 'Patty's Plum'

Water

Oriental Poppies, including 'Patty's Plum', should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water approximately once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons per square foot. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall; during prolonged dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, while during cooler and wetter periods, you can water less often. It's critical to ensure the soil around 'Patty's Plum' dries out between waterings, as they do not tolerate soggy conditions well. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of too little rather than too much.

Light

'Patty's Plum' Oriental Poppy thrives best in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in the garden that is unobstructed by tall trees or buildings to ensure it gets ample light. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced, and the stems may become leggy as they reach for the light.

Temperature

Oriental Poppies like 'Patty's Plum' prefer temperatures that range between 50°F and 75°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F. Their ideal growing conditions involve cool nights and warm days. They go dormant in extreme summer heat, especially when temperatures consistently rise above 90°F.

Pruning

Prune 'Patty's Plum' Oriental Poppy after it has finished flowering, typically in late spring or early summer, to promote healthy growth and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Cut back the foliage to the ground level, as Oriental Poppies are herbaceous perennials that will regrow from their roots. Pruning annually will help maintain a tidy plant appearance and encourage vigorous growth for the following season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum' thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A soil mix of equal parts loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand would promote healthy growth. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.

Repotting

Oriental Poppies, including 'Patty's Plum', are perennials that do not require frequent repotting. Most are grown from seed or transplanted as seedlings and should not be repotted as they prefer not to be moved once established.

Humidity & Misting

The Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum' prefers a garden environment and doesn't require high humidity. It can do well in average outdoor humidity levels, with no need for specific humidity control.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a sunny spot and ensure good air flow for the Oriental Poppy.

• Outdoor

  Grow in full sun with well-draining soil for the Oriental Poppy.

• Hardiness zone

  3-7 USDA

Life cycle

The Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum' begins its lifecycle with seed germination, occurring in late winter to early spring, where seeds sprout and develop into small rosettes. As temperatures rise, the rosettes form a strong taproot and foliage begins to grow vigorously. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, with 'Patty's Plum' producing distinctive plum-colored blooms that attract pollinators for reproductive success. After blooming, the petals fall and the plant sets seed in the form of a capsule, which eventually dries and releases seeds for the next generation. Post-flowering, the foliage of 'Patty's Plum' dies back to the ground, and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hot summer months. In the autumn, new foliage appears again, and the plant continues to gather energy in preparation for the next season's growth and flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum' is typically propagated by division, which is best done in late summer or after the plant has finished blooming. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the soil, ensuring that you keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Then, using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a piece of the root and at least one growth point or eye. After the division, replant the sections at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give each new plant enough space to grow. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help them establish. This form of vegetative propagation ensures that the new plants will be exact replicas of the 'Patty's Plum' variety, retaining all its desirable characteristics.