Written by: Liam Statham
Edited by: Advita
Designed by: Jiya Mehta
Published by: Maryam Khan
As we approach Remembrance Day, it seems fitting that we talk about the bright red flowers that grace everyone’s lapel around this time, the poppy.
Brief History of The Poppy
The poppy was first introduced to Canada in 1915 by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae who wrote “In Flanders Fields” during his time as a Canadian medical officer in the first World War. This poem would spread all across Canada. In 1921, the remembrance poppy was created by Madame Anna Guérin of France. She was inspired by John McCrae’s poem and made the poppies out of fabric to raise funds for the rebuilding of France. Nowadays, poppies are worn each year around remembrance day to honour Canada’s fallen. They serve as a powerful and national symbol of remembrance.
How To Grow Poppies
Poppies can be very aesthetically pleasing in the spring and fall as a vibrant pop of colour, and also serve as fantastic pollinators! Here’s how to grow them in your garden:
1. Planting your poppies
- Sow the seeds in spring or autumn
- Choose a sunny spot with visible soil
- Poppies can grow up to 5 feet tall, make sure you have space!
- The seeds must be in contact with sunlight, so pull back any mulch/ other obstructions
- Mix the seeds with sand (allows for more sowing) and sprinkle them throughout the area you want to naturalize.
- Make sure to spread the seeds
- You can plant multiple varieties of poppy
2. Caring for them as they grow
- Water the seeds frequently for about a month after planting
- Make sure to water them during dry spells
- Provide fertile soil
- Just as the bloom begins to crack open, cut stems nearly down to the ground. Even after harvesting, poppies will continue to develop and bloom
3. Near the end of the season, make sure to save some seeds for next season!
Thank you for taking the time to learn about poppies! Good luck growing your own!
Resources
Websites
The poppy. (n.d.). https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy#:~:text=1921,of%20fabric%20to%20raise%20funds.
Buiano, M. (2022, September 27). How to plant and care for Poppies, hardy flowers that add seasonal interest to your garden. Martha Stewart. https://www.marthastewart.com/8074506/planting-growing-poppies-guide
Judd, A. (2022, August 27). How to grow poppies: 8 tips for growing poppies. Growing In The Garden. https://growinginthegarden.com/how-to-grow-poppies-8-tips-for-growing-poppies/
Photos