In October I bought an inexpensive blue poppy (meconopsis?) from Morrisons
supermarket. I stuck the plant in a pot of all-purpose soil and it's now
overwintering in my ever-so-slightly-heated greenhouse.

I understand these plants are difficult to grow. In what way are they
difficult?

Any hints and tips on cultivation, soil requirements, etc., greatly
appreciated.

Thanks.

"Janice" wrote in message
...
In October I bought an inexpensive blue poppy (meconopsis?) from Morrisons
supermarket. I stuck the plant in a pot of all-purpose soil and it's now
overwintering in my ever-so-slightly-heated greenhouse.

I understand these plants are difficult to grow. In what way are they
difficult?

Any hints and tips on cultivation, soil requirements, etc., greatly
appreciated.

Thanks.

As far as I am aware they are Acid soil lovers and are also a dapples shade
and water lovers I believe they come from the himalyas.

In message , Janice
writes
In October I bought an inexpensive blue poppy (meconopsis?) from Morrisons
supermarket. I stuck the plant in a pot of all-purpose soil and it's now
overwintering in my ever-so-slightly-heated greenhouse.

I understand these plants are difficult to grow. In what way are they
difficult?

Their reputation stems from the fact that they resent root disturbance
and will often die if allowed to flower in the first or second year from
seed.

Growing them from seed I see roughly 10% survival for each transplanting
stage. Fortunately the seed is very fine so you get plenty.

Any hints and tips on cultivation, soil requirements, etc., greatly
appreciated.

Moist dapped shade slightly acid soil. It will either grow or expire
quickly. Once happy they grow nicely and can even self seed, but unless
the planting location is to their liking they will expire. Any rough
handling will ensure the plant rots off before establishing.

Regards,
--
Martin Brown

"Janice" wrote in message
...
In October I bought an inexpensive blue poppy (meconopsis?) from Morrisons
supermarket. I stuck the plant in a pot of all-purpose soil and it's now
overwintering in my ever-so-slightly-heated greenhouse.

I understand these plants are difficult to grow. In what way are they
difficult?

Any hints and tips on cultivation, soil requirements, etc., greatly
appreciated.

Thanks.

They require acid soils moisture and cool conditions, in the UK they best
place to grow them is the west coast of Scotland.
--
Charlie, gardening in Cornwall.
http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk
Holders of National Plant Collection of Clematis viticella (cvs)

Janice wrote:

In October I bought an inexpensive blue poppy (meconopsis?) from Morrisons
supermarket. I stuck the plant in a pot of all-purpose soil and it's now
overwintering in my ever-so-slightly-heated greenhouse.

I understand these plants are difficult to grow. In what way are they
difficult?

Any hints and tips on cultivation, soil requirements, etc., greatly
appreciated.

Thanks.

Everybody else has pretty well covered the target. Lime haters, need rich soil
high organic content, shortish lived/sometimes monocarpic, need dappled shade,
cool humid but not soggy conditions, resent root disturbance. Having said that,
they are hardy plants and don't need mollycoddling. If your plant flowers
collect some seeds and sow them straight away on a tray of ericaceous compost.
The easiest way to start with 'difficult' plants is to grow them before anybody
gets chance to tell you they're supposed to be difficult ;~}}
--
Rod
http://website.lineone.net/%7Erodcraddock/index.html
My email address needs weeding.