Sparkling poppies and baby’s breath

This is the perfect time of the year to get your poppies in the ground ready for that spring explosion of colour.

Poppies

Papaver nudicaule also known as Iceland poppies are some of the best bedding plants you can get for adding colour, flower power and plenty of bees and butterflies into a garden bed. They are also excellent cut flowers.

Planting

Poppies do better in areas with cool summers, but some varieties like ‘Champagne Bubbles’ do well with hot days and cooler nights. Choose a position in full sun or a little shade and prepare the soil with loads of compost and organic materials, a few handfuls of organic slow-release fertilizer and a few handfuls of bonemeal or superphosphate when planting. The soil must be well-draining and keep it well-watered throughout the season, particularly in warm and hot weather.

Plant in groups in flower beds or scatter them about in a wildflower meadow-type garden. The long flower stems peak up to around 38cm above the foliage.

Although these poppies are considered perennials, they are short-lived so need to be planted each year for the best results.

They are easy to grow requiring very little care and maintenance. Remove faded flowers to encourage more flowering and look out for aphids and downy mildew. Otherwise, depending on soil conditions, they may need a boost in spring to encourage flowering with a fertilizer high in phosphorous.

This year’s varieties include ‘Champagne Bubbles’ known for their strong stems, bushy foliage and big blooms in orange, pink, scarlet, yellow and white.

Gypsophila

The very pretty Gypsophila muralis known as baby’s breath has clouds of small flowers on stalky stems sought-after by florists because of their softness as a filler, especially for bridal bouquets. In the garden they are also great fillers in a flower bed or planted in hanging baskets for a light airy look.

They like plenty of sunshine and space to grow (35 x 25cm) where their roots are not disturbed. They prefer well-draining neutral soil on the sandy side but with plenty of organic materials and compost added when planting. Feed with a general fertilizer in summer for prolonged blooming and deadhead regularly.Water often especially in hot weather but don’t overwater or they may get root rot.

The new hybrids, ‘Gypsy’ include flower colours in deep rose and pink along with the white we all know and love. They dry well and are long-lasting in a vase.

Brought to you by the Bedding Plant Growers Association (BPGA)

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