Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have loved poppies all of my life, and would like to plant some, as I understand they reseed and multiply beautifully.  I have received much conflicting information on planting them; therefore, I am completely confused as to when to plant them.  I have been told they are summer flowering; I have also been told they are fall flowering.  My sister gave me two (2) seed packets, and I wonder if I should plant them now. The packet info reads:  "POPPY- RED CORN.  P. RHOEAS (BOTANIC)".  Although it is November, our temps are presently in the high 70s, and we have not had frost yet.  This is not typical, but we do have fairly mild winters.  I live in Zone 7 - central North Carolina.  Any help you could offer would be appreciated.
Answer -
Corn Poppy Papaver rhoeas, also know as Flanders Poppy and Shirley Poppy. They bloom in summer with 2 to 4 inch blooms.  Give them full sun in average well drained soil. They are easy to grow from seed sown directly into the garden in late autumn or early spring. A second sowing in midspring can help extend the bloom  season. Scatter the fine seed over the soil surface, then rake it in lightly. Thin out seedlings to stand 6 to 8 inches apart. Leave a few flowers at the end of the season and plants will most likely self-sow. Pick them Just as the buds are starting to open. Then sear the ends of cut stems over a gas flame, or dip them in boiling water to prolong their vase life.
They look good as fillers in beds and borders or in a meadow garden.

bakerplanter

FOLLOWUP QUESTION:
Thanks for the answer.  So, you are saying they can be planted in spring OR fall?  Is it too late to sew them now, (November)?  I live in Zone 7b, central North Carolina.  Thanks again very much.

Answer
The important thing is the soil. If you have well drained soil, in the location where you are going to plant, then planting right now is fine. This will mean working the soil to get the air down about a foot. Then adding some potting soil to the top three inches or more. The seeds like the cold to germinate, but if it is too wet, with no air, they will rot. I would recogmmend planting part of the seeds now, and save the other seeds to plant in early spring and late spring. This will cover any spots that don't germinate well, and give you a longer bloom time in the summer.

bakerplanter