When to Plant and Harvest Poppy
Delicate annual with papery blooms and decorative seedheads used in cooking and arrangements
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. ASPCA has no entry for this crop. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Poppy
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Breadseed Poppy in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 70F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | September 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | September 25 to October 31 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | October 10 to November 15 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | October 20 to November 30 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | November 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | November 10 to December 1 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 30 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 30 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.1 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 50F to 70F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: 0.5-1 inch per week; tolerates dry spells; avoid overwatering
- Days to harvest: 65
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Light 1 inch dressing; poppies prefer lean soil
Companion Plants
- Cornflowers
- Larkspur
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Petals fall naturally after 3-5 days; seedhead develops
- Harvest flowers just as buds begin to open
- Seedheads are ready when they rattle when shaken
- Direct sow only; do not transplant
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Poppy?
Poppy planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Poppy?
The best time of year to plant Poppy is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 50F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Poppy?
Plant Breadseed Poppy in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 70F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Poppy?
Plant Poppy about 6 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Poppy?
Poppy is commonly paired with Cornflowers, Larkspur.
How long does Poppy take to grow?
Poppy is typically ready to harvest in about 65 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Poppy?
Harvest Poppy when petals fall naturally after 3-5 days; seedhead develops. Harvest flowers just as buds begin to open Seedheads are ready when they rattle when shaken