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Old March 19, 2007   #1
Sherry_AK
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Old March 19, 2007   #2
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It just became mine too. Absolutely beautiful. Carolina blue flowers - WOW

What is it?

Tim
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Old March 19, 2007   #3
Sherry_AK
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Meconopsis.

If I could grow only one kind of flower, that would be it.

There are white ones too.



And this is what they look like when they first pop up in the Spring.

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Old March 20, 2007   #4
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Those blues are gorgeous! Are these perennials that manage to grow in Alaska, or do you overwinter them in your greenhouse?
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Old March 20, 2007   #5
Sherry_AK
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They are perennials and Alaska is one of the few places in the U.S. where they will grow. They also do well in the Pacific Northwest. They cannot tolerate hot, dry conditions.

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Old March 20, 2007   #6
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Well, I am disappointed! I guess there is no hope of them growing here with our current hot, dry summers. Do they need full sun? I could try some on the north side of the house where it is cooler/shadier. They would get some morning sun.

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Old March 20, 2007   #7
Sherry_AK
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They actually prefer a bit of shade. Also they like an acid soil. If you want to give it a try, and you want to try starting them from seed, let me know and I'll send you some. It's a bit late to get them started for this year, but I could send you some fresh seed in the fall.

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Old March 20, 2007   #8
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Seeds from yours, would be great! I will put it on my gardening calendar to remind myself to ask you again this fall. Thanks for the offer!


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Old March 21, 2007   #9
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Wow, that blue is just beautiful.
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Old March 21, 2007   #10
Sherry_AK
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Thanks!

(Once again I run into the "message too short" problem, so here are more words!)
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Old March 22, 2007   #11
akgardengirl
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Default Blue poppy

Sherry,
Your photography is stunning! I will let you know if mine come up this year. Managed to get a few going last spring. What do you put in your soil to make it acid?
Thanks,
Sue B.

PS. The Native Sun tomato did not germinate as of one month.
I have some interesting dwarve seedlings to share with you if you are interested.
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Old March 24, 2007   #12
Sherry_AK
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Hey, Sue! Thanks for your kind words about the photos. Who can resist taking pix of those beauties?!? Maybe you'll be posting pictures of your own this summer!

Of course our native soil is fairly acid already, but I do use Miracid Soil Acidifier/Plant Food. They are heavy feeders, so I also apply liberal amounts of compost around them each year as well as compost tea.

I've sent you a PM re the dwarves.

Sherry
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Old March 24, 2007   #13
remy
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Sherry,
Great photos! I love blue flowers. You are so lucky to be able to grow those poppies easily.
Remy
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Old March 24, 2007   #14
Sherry_AK
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Thanks, Remy. I do consider myself very lucky that I can grow them.

Sherry
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Old March 28, 2007   #15
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Sherry AK...Appreciate the information!

Ordered seeds from Parks Monday. Have three or four spots where I suspect they might grow. Soil pH is 5.7 which seems OK. Very deficient in phosphorus and low in calcium and potassium. Think decomposed cow manure mixed with peat moss might help? Mountain Laurel (which likes acid and thrives in wet, rocky shady hollows in CT) does well in these areas.

Do you know if light is needed for germination? Day time outside temps are right (40-60) but they can drop into the 30s at night. My basement is 54-57 year round and that would be safer but don't have a light set-up down there.
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