Matilija Poppy

Matilija Poppies require a well-draining soil mix, and do not like their roots constantly wet. Water moderately during the active growing season from spring to fall, and do not water at all in winter. Reduce watering further in late summer and early autumn to encourage bloom.

Matilija Poppies resent overly bright light, and this could cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. While these plants will survive in dappled shade, they should be given at least several hours of direct morning sunlight every day. Having several hours of full sun every day in the summer will encourage blooming.

These plants prefer temperatures of 65-85°F (18-29°C), and will not tolerate heavy frosts during the winter. In cold climates, it may be advantageous to keep these plants in pots during the winter and bring them inside during extreme temperatures.

Matilija Poppies prefer low humidity. Relative humidity should stay below 60%. Prolonged high humidity levels will stress the plant and reduce the health of the leaves. Cool evening or morning mist may provide some needed humidity.

Matilija Poppies will do best in a well-draining soil that contains a good amount of organic matter and humus. The ideal soil should not be too alkaline and its pH should be about 6.7. If planting in a pot, a good mix may be a combination of loam, perlite, vermiculite, and compost.

Fertilizing your Matilija Poppy can help to promote healthy growth. A good choice of fertilizer would be an all-purpose formula that can be diluted and applied every two weeks during the actively growing season. Do not overfertilize as this could cause foliage issues. Use half the recommended dosage when applying fertilizers.

Matilija Poppies are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. They may also be affected by a fungal disease called leaf spot, especially if the soil is too wet. To get rid of pests, consider spraying with insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Pruning affected leaves can help reduce the spread of fungal disease.

Matilija Poppies should only be repotted when their roots start to overcrowd the pot and become rootbound. During the repotting process, remove some of the old, damaged roots and place the plant in a larger pot with fresh soil. New soil will provide more nutrients and space for the roots to grow and expand.

Prune matilija plants after they have finished blooming. Cut out any dead flower heads and remove any branches with dead or diseased leaves. Pruning should be limited unless unwanted growth needs to be removed to promote healthy habit.

Mulching is a good idea to keep the soil moist around the plant and to prevent the spread of weeds. Choose a mulch material that does not have weed seeds such as crushed bark, wood chips, or plastic sheeting.

Matilija Poppies can be easily propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown on the surface of a well-drained medium and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in the spring or summertime, with several nodes on each cutting. These cuttings can then be grown in a rooting medium and kept in a warm area with indirect light. They should be kept hydrated and misted.

Matilija Poppies have tall stems and may need support if not planted in the ground. A sturdy stake of bamboo, wood, or metal can be used to keep the plant upright and prevent drooping of the stems.

After a period of growth and blooming, Matilija Poppies may need a rest period. During this time, cease watering and stop adding fertilizer so that the plant can rest. During colder climates, it is best to keep the pots indoors during this time. Resume watering when the plant starts to show signs of new life, usually when new leaves start to pop out.

Matilija Poppies are not toxic to pets, so they are safe to keep around animals or young children.