The Culture of Oriental Poppies 
The culture of Oriental Poppies is no more difficult than that of any other permanent 
perennial. In fact, once they are established in the garden they need very little 
else than clean cultivation. Being deeply rooted, they rarely suffer from lack of 
water except possibly the first year they are planted. They do require a well- 
drained soil of good garden loam, a little mulch of excelsior or straw under the 
leaves the first winter, water only in rare instances, little or no fertilizer, and 
plenty of room in which to grow in perferably a sunny situation. Seed pods 
should be removed as soon as the petals have fallen, and the entire top cut back 
after it has turned brown. 
How to Treat Poppies for Cut Flowers 
All poppies make beautiful cut flowers and will last from three to six days without 
wilting if the following directions are followed. The best flowers are those that 
are newly opened. Cut them preferably early in the morning and burn the end 
of the stems one or two inches over a gas or electric range until the end of the 
stem is Well burned and the tip is charcoal. Place them in water and they will last 
from three to six days. Such varieties as Raspberry Queen, Jessie Curtis, C. G. 
Flesh Pink and Enchantress (whose colors will fade some outdoors) are used as 
cut flowers and kept indoors. They will retain their beautiful colors without 
fading until their petals drop. 
When to Plant Oriental Poppies 
AUGUST and SEPTEMBER 
The balance of the year, even through the winter months, they are in an active 
growing condition. The dormant season, unlike most other plants, is mid-summer 
and if moved then good results are sure to be secured. Of course, the clumps 
increase in size with age and may be left in the same spot for many years. Order 
now and we will ship at the best time for planting. 
