Annual poppies, such as the wild poppy or corn poppy, do not need pruning at all. The plants can be disposed of in the compost immediately after flowering. However, the situation is different for perennial poppy plants.
Perennial poppies should be cut back after flowering before the onset of winter
The best time
Turk's poppy is one of the perennial varieties. It should be cut back to just above ground level in late fall. To protect against frost, you can lay the clippings over the plant. Brushwood and leaves are also suitable as winter protection for your poppy. In addition to frost, you can also protect your poppy from too much rain, because the poppy does not like moisture at all.
If you are disturbed by the withered inflorescences, you can also prune your poppies immediately after flowering. But don't be too radical, because poppies constantly produce new flowers during the flowering period.
The dried seed pods are ideal as autumn and winter decorations for your home. Sometimes a lot of money is paid for it in handicraft or florist supplies. The seeds can usually be easily shaken out of the ripe capsules. They can then be sown next spring.
Is the poppy suitable for the vase?
Unfortunately, poppy is not particularly suitable as a cut flower, because even in the vase, the flowers wither after a few days. However, there is a trick to extend the shelf life of the buds a bit. Cut the poppy before the flower has fully opened and briefly dip the cut surfaces of the stalks in hot water.
The essentials in brief:
- Poppies only conditionally suitable as cut flowers
- dried seed pods are popular decorative items
- careful pruning after flowering
tips and tricks
If you cut back your poppies immediately after flowering, the seeds will not ripen. Leave some inflorescences, then the poppy will self-seed, or you can collect the seeds and sow elsewhere.