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BARE ROOT POPPIES - PLANTING DELAY

UnionworkerukUnionworkeruk Posts: 187
edited November 2020 in Problem solving
Took delivery of some bare root oriental  poppies about a week ago  They were sealed in a plastic bag and I was told they would be OK for a week or so before planting.

The week is up and I am still not ready to plant for another few weeks so what can I do ? Lots of conflicting advice from open the bag and keep moist, dont open the bag and keep in the fridge, plant in pots and keep sheltered until ready for final planting etc.

Any advice from someone who has faced a similar situation. ?


Thanks 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're hardy plants, so - if you have a spare pot or two, you could just stick them in there temporarily, with a basic covering of soil /compost over the roots.
    However, I'm guessing you've had them indoors in the bag? If so, keep them as above, but gradually get them accustomed and acclimatised by leaving them outside somewhere sheltered for a few days, bringing them in again at night. They should then be fine to plant when you're ready. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    They need to not dry out, so keep them cool and not in dry air, maybe in a shed or unheated outbuilding. If it's going to be much longer I think I would pot them up, leave them in the pots until they've put on a bit of growth in spring, and then plant them out in their permanent homes (I did that with bare-root roses that arrived about this time last year when we had an unusually large amount of rain - the earth would have been nice and workable, but I didn't want to be outside trampling around on it).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • UnionworkerukUnionworkeruk Posts: 187
    Bekker sell them as "Papaver orientale (oriental poppy) "Türkenlouis" 3 bare roots  in a bag."

    I have kept them in a shelter outside for the last week but after the unanimous verdict I am going to pot them up and keep them in the shelter until final planting.

    Thanks for the advice. Just off to find my boots...





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