Meconopsis grandis Seeds - Blue Poppy

Meconopsis grandis, also known as the Himalayan Blue Poppy, is a spectacular perennial plant belonging to the mythical tribe of blue poppies from the Himalayas. In spring and summer, it produces large poppy-like flowers of a very bright gentian blue, often shaded with purple at the base of the petals centred around a heart of golden stamens. The flowers are borne by elegant and sturdy stems above fairly light, velvety green foliage. This is the least demanding and most perennial of all. As such, it deserves an attempt at sowing it in humus-rich and moist soil, in the shelter of undergrowth, in filtered light.

Originally from China, in the northwest of Yunnan Province, and southeast Tibet, the blue poppy grows at an altitude of 3000 to 4000m (9842 to 13123ft). It grows in shaded and humid places, in neutral, humus-rich, and deep soil. It is a hardy perennial plant, but quite often semelparous (it tends to wither after flowering) with rapid growth, showing a rosette habit from which emerge floral stems at least 80cm (32in) tall. The basal rosette, with a diameter of 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in), is composed of oblong and ovate leaves, of a fairly light green colour, covered with rust-coloured hairs. The leaves are marked with a central vein, and are alternate. The floral stems present several flowers grouped in racemes, with a diameter of 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in). The crumpled petals have a slightly translucent and silky texture. They are gentian blue, often washed with purple towards the base of the petals. At maturity, their golden centre is composed of an ovary with a short stem surrounded by a collar of white stamens when they are juveniles. Flowering is followed by the formation of brown capsules filled with small black seeds. This plant generally does not flower in the first year if sown too late.

Less difficult to maintain in our gardens than Meconopsis betonicifolia, the blue poppy is more perennial, but as hardy and prolific as the latter. To give yourself the best chance of growing it, find the coldest spot in your garden, at the foot of a wall to the east or north, in well-drained and loose soil, or at the edge of woodland exposed to the morning sun. Plant it in large masses, give it space and let nature take its course. Meconopsis grandis seems to be easier to grow in cool and humid climates in summer, such as temperate coastal zones with the oceanic influence. It should be kept in mind that this plant experiences summer monsoons in Tibet and is covered in snow during winter.