OMG...Blue Himalayan Poppy

[Scrapinthehat]

Several months ago some of us had a discussion about this coveted Blue Poppy. I disclosed how I bought one on impulse not knowing how tricky they are to grow...decided not to protect it or anything for winter and just accept that it will die.

Well... my snow finally melted today so I ventured out to analyze the damage. To my surprize, the poppy is not only alive, but seems to be flourishing...about 2.5" tall right now with 3 fairly large leaves. My peonies (and many others) are showing no signs of life, but this is growing? Maybe I did plant it in the perfect spot afterall. Wow!

[Eeyore]

Whoo Hoo! Way yo go Scrappy!

[joan w]

Good for you Scrappy. Isn't it a great discovery.

[patty]

This is so exciting!!! Congratulations scrap...way da go! Can't wait to see it in bloom.

[Scrapinthehat]

Thanks ladies. Don't know if I should get too excited yet...it still has to bloom, but at least there is hope.

[Hushypuppy]

I am green with envy..or should I say blue. Post some pics when it flowers so I can finally see what the little devils actually look like in the flesh. Congrats!

Kris

[Sharon Bryson]

Hi Scrap:
Your Himalayan poppy should NOT be allowed to bloom this season. They are monocarpic, and will die if they bloom the first year.
You should feed it exceedingly well with old manure &/or compost to encourage as much growth as possible. You want the crown area to expand, so the plant is strong, and will do "its thing" another year.

[Scrapinthehat]

Sharon...I planted it last year and didn't allow it to bloom....should I make sure it doesn't bloom this year too?

Here is a pic...doesn't look like much...but at least it's green!

[clarissa]

Good for you - what a great feeling to see something you have nurtured as best you can and then find that you are successful - I remember when mine bloomed - I was so thrilled I had to go next door and tell my neighbor. We both just stood there, looking at it like it was a huge gem of some kind - which to me it seemed to be. That is what we love about gardening I guess. Jean

[Sharon Bryson]

I planted it last year and didn't allow it to bloom....should I make sure it doesn't bloom this year too?

Given the size of the plant, I would just try to get as much growth as possible.
They say the secret to their survival is getting a substantial increase in girth before letting it flower.