Nigella, CA blue bells, poppies: WS or direct sow?

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Posted by started_with_bean Zone 5--MA (My Page) on

Tue, Jan 18, 11 at 16:41

I'm planning on a container for some Nigellas, CA blue bells, and some poppies. Which would be better in Zone 5/6?

-WS and then plant out
-direct sow in mid March
-indoor sow and transplant out while they are small or in peat pots

Anyone with some experience with these flowers who can comment?

thanks!

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RE: Nigella, CA blue bells, poppies: WS or direct sow?

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Posted by morz8 Z8 Wa coast (My Page) on
Tue, Jan 18, 11 at 20:39

Coming from a very different zone, nigella and annual poppies are two things I always direct sow.

California bluebell is common name for more than one plant -
California Bluebell Phacelia germinates at lower temps (55ish) so may do better outdoors, that's not a good temp for me to achieve anywhere indoors
California BlueBell Nemophila germinates better warmer, more like 70F

RE: Nigella, CA blue bells, poppies: WS or direct sow?

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Posted by evelyn_inthegarden 8NCAfoothills (My Page) on
Tue, Jan 18, 11 at 21:49

Another good reason for using the botanical names. Now you have my curiosity.

RE: Nigella, CA blue bells, poppies: WS or direct sow?

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Posted by started_with_bean Zone 5--MA (My Page) on
Tue, Jan 18, 11 at 22:32

Sorry, it's definitely the Phacelia. Good to know about the lower germ. temps. for the Phacelia. So direct sow for that one then...

RE: Nigella, CA blue bells, poppies: WS or direct sow?

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Posted by loretta5 Z6 PA (My Page) on
Thu, Jan 27, 11 at 19:06

I can only speak about starting poppies. They are best direct sown. Start well before March. Now, or as soon your snow is less than 4" high, go out and throw the seed where you want poppies to grow. They don't mind freezing and they don't need to be covered by soil. When the day length and temperature are right, they will germinate. Next year shake the dried seed pods around wherever you want poppies and wait for them. Poppies are easy.

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