Guide to growing Matilija Poppy - Romneya
Romneya species are half hardy perennials that range from 90cm to 1.8M in height.
Romneya have a woody nature and bloom with flowers reminiscent of poppies in the summer and early autumn.
Some common names for Romneya include Matilija poppy and California Tree poppy.
How to grow Matilija poppy
Matilija poppy and other Romneya members prefer to grow in warm climates. The Matilija poppy seeds should be sown a t a depth of 6mm following the last spring frost. Matilija poppy likes to grow in sunny areas and likes an average dry soil.
If starting off indoors then sow Matilija poppy seeds in peat pots about two months before the last spring frost is expected. They should take about a month to germinate at 12 to 15 degrees centigrade. Once growing, transfer the poppies outdoors at a spacing of 60 to 90cm (small Romneya species) to 1.5M apart (larger Romneya varieties).
Caring for Matilija poppies and other Romneya in the garden
Once growing it takes a bit of work to look after Matilija poppies. They are very easy to grow but difficult to control. It is necessary to prune at the roots to stop Romneya members from spreading. If you require more plants then propagate from the root suckers.