I got this packet of wonderful poppy seeds with a very wide variety (turkish, red coral, hen and chicks, etc) and I have no idea how to start this. Most instructions I have found online take into accound seasons, which we don't have here. We only have two seasons: rain and no rain.

Since I've caught ants carrying poppy seeds away before, so I want to start them in pots or bags first and am hoping it's ok? We have *plenty* of sun and the humidity is around 80% to 100% everyday. Temperatures don't ever drop below 60ºs F.

Now on to the biggest challenge of all: Meconopsis. So far I've read it needs moisture and cool temperatures, and what I've been able to come up with so far is to make a sort of terranium, but colder instead of warmer than its surroundings. Perhaps take a large old aquarium, insulate it, leave one side clear so light can come in, add ice, and then the pots with seeds...I know this sounds crazy, is it???

As you can see....I am clueless and will probably make a lot of mistakes, so if anybody has any words of advice, I would deeply appreciate it.

Thank you all!

PS: What ZONE would Costa Rica be?

Melanie/Eternity2669

However, the seeds don't need to be soaked, and they don't need to be stratified. Germination isn't difficult at all if you can provide temperatures in the 45 - 55F range, often hard to achieve indoors.

libael, which meconopsis? The only one I can think of you might possibly have a chance with is m. cambrica which will often flower first year from seed even though a perennial.
You cannot grow the others in the tropics - sorry if that sounds too direct but you are no where close to their preferred climate, if you have germination the seedlings will not survive. These need a cool summer climate, a winter, and may or may not bloom in their second year - it could be year three and they won't live that long for you without a climate controlled (chilled) glasshouse.

"Meconopsis betonicifolia-
Himalayan Blue Poppy"

I can't find the article about the cold water "soaking" stratification, but I know it worked great for me, that's why I suggested it. Stratification may not be necessary, but it is definately beneficial....hope that helps!

Notable points :

What have I Iearned about growing these spectacular plants?

1. Meconopsis seed germinates best at cool temperatures so it is a good idea to stratify the seed. Stratification is exposing the seed to a period of cool moist conditions that help initiate germination.

2. Seedlings need cool, well ventilated growing conditions, If they get too warm they collapse and die (looks like damping off).

3. In my garden small plants often are heaved out of the ground by frosts so it is best to keep seedlings in a cold frame for their first winter.

4. In the garden, they need shade from the hot sun and a rich, moist soil during the growing season.

5. When dormant they prefer to be relatively dry around the crown soil line. Planting on a slope can help excess moisture drain away. A gravel mulch around the plant may help.

OK, maybe it's me, but I think there are more reliable places for sowing helps :) If reliable is the word I even want, I don't write for a living.

The meconopsis.org site based in England has a lot of good information. My climate is close to that of England and I've grown these for years often using my own seed - I will also buy seed when I want to be sure of specific types (usually Chilterns, I have good germination with theirs).

In my garden in my cool summer climate, they will take almost full sun, and may develop mildew in more shade. Winter wet when dormant is a given here and can't be avoided but frost heave isn't an issue.

It took me a few years to realize it, but fresh seed sown shortly after harvest germinates in approx 3 weeks if kept moist outdoors, days in the 60's or 70's, nights 50's. Seed that has been stored several weeks or months will do best at lower temperatures.

The Meconopsis Group - Meconopsis.org - No frills or promises, just a group of gardeners who enjoy and who have had experience growing meconopsis:

You offered a website that did not appear to come from anyone of experience to me, and one that sells seeds, not gardening based. I gave you a better alternative and one with excellent illustrations.

There is never any one way to germinate any seed, but there are methods that are most often successful. After several years experience growing meconopsis, while I'm happy yours germinated I'd be concerned you could run the risk of the seeds rotting too when left in water for 8 weeks. I'm pleased yours did not but you should be aware of the possibility.

I have never posted or had reason to post an insult on these forums, subtle or otherwise.

I'm not sure why we yearn to grow things that don't do well in our own zones, but somehow those out-of-reach plants can be what we covet the most...then can take the failures as a reflection of our gardening talents :) I'd love to be able to grow bouganvalia, citrus outdoors, or the orchids you mention but I'm old enough to know now I'd just be sending myself down the road to dissapointment and frustration.

I know little about Costa Rica but a quick web search shows many, many botanical and public gardens so apparently there's a strong gardening interest there. I also don't know how conveniently you are located to any of these beautiful displays, but if you have the chance, a visit with notepad in pocket might really open doors for you in growing some remarkable plants those of us in temperate climates couldn't attempt....Just a thought :)