Bristly Poppy Papaver pilosum subsp. spicatum

Water

The plant commonly known as Long-headed Poppy should be watered deeply until excess water starts to drain from the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, watering should be done once every seven to ten days, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. It is important to reduce the frequency of watering during the dormant period (usually in the winter) to prevent root rot, which might be around once every two weeks. A good rule of thumb is to provide approximately 16 to 32 ounces of water for smaller pots and up to 1 gallon for larger pots during the active growth phase. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before the next watering to prevent overwatering.

Light

The Long-headed Poppy flourishes best in full sun conditions with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but its blooms may not be as prolific. The ideal spot for this plant would be in a south-facing garden or a windowsill where it is exposed to ample sunlight, but it should be protected from the harsh midday sun in very hot climates.

Temperature

For the Long-headed Poppy, the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 70°F during the day. Nighttime temperatures should ideally be a little cooler but should not drop below 50°F for optimal growth. This plant can generally withstand temperatures up to 80°F, beyond which protective measures might be needed to ensure the plant does not overheat.

Pruning

The Long-headed Poppy should be pruned to encourage healthier growth, maintain plant shape, and increase air circulation. After flowering, spent blooms should be removed to tidy the plant and encourage additional blooms. Dead or damaged stems can be cut back to the ground. The best time for pruning would be late autumn or early winter, when the plant has finished blooming and is entering its dormant phase.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Long-headed Poppy thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal, ensuring good drainage and moderate fertility. Avoid waterlogged conditions and overly rich soils that may encourage foliar growth at the expense of flowers.

Repotting

Long-headed Poppy, being a perennial, does not typically require frequent repotting. Repotting should be done every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound or the soil appears exhausted.

Humidity & Misting

Long-headed Poppy prefers moderate ambient humidity but is quite adaptable. Avoid excessively high humidity environments as they may promote fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and good air circulation indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny area with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Papaver pilosum subsp. spicatum, commonly known as Southwest Asian poppy, begins its life as a seed that germinates in favorable conditions, typically requiring well-drained soil and a period of cold stratification. After germination, the seedling emerges, developing a rosette of hairy, lobed leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it elongates to form a flowering stem and produces solitary, large, and colorful flowers, each with four petals and numerous stamens. Following pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into a capsule-like fruit, rich with numerous small seeds. These seeds are dispersed by wind, animals, or other mechanical means, spreading to new locations where they lie dormant until the next season or until conditions are suitable for germination. This annual or biennial plant completes its life cycle with the death of the flowering individual, relying on its seeds to propagate and ensure the survival of the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagating Papaver pilosum subsp. spicatum, commonly known as the rough-haired poppy, is through seed. Sowing can be done in early spring directly into a well-prepared seedbed with soil that is rich and well-draining. The seed is very fine and should be sown on the soil's surface, lightly pressed in, and kept moist until germination occurs. It is crucial to avoid covering the seed with soil as light is needed for germination; a fine mist spray is useful for keeping the topsoil moist without disturbing the seed. Germination usually happens within 2 to 3 weeks, and once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing positions. Care should be taken not to disturb the roots too much during transplanting as poppies do not appreciate being moved.